Vũ Trinh

Vũ Trinh was a Vietnamese scholar, mandarin, and mathematician who lived during the late Lê dynasty (specifically during the reigns of Lê Hiển Tông and Lê Chiêu Thống) in the 18th century. He is primarily known for his significant contributions to Vietnamese mathematics, particularly his work on calculating the value of pi and his advancements in trigonometry.

Vũ Trinh served in the royal court, holding various positions and participating in the administration of the country. However, his most enduring legacy lies in his mathematical research. He is credited with calculating pi to a greater degree of accuracy than had previously been achieved in Vietnam. His methods involved using inscribed and circumscribed polygons within a circle to approximate its circumference and, thereby, derive a more precise value for pi.

Beyond pi, Vũ Trinh also made important contributions to trigonometry, developing tables and formulas that were used for surveying, astronomy, and other practical applications. His work helped to advance mathematical knowledge and its practical application in Vietnam during his time.

His contributions were documented in various works, some of which have been lost to time, making a complete understanding of all his findings challenging. However, enough evidence remains to recognize him as a pivotal figure in the history of Vietnamese mathematics.