also: ようさん
Western arithmetic; Western mathematics
Historical term used in contrast to 和算 (traditional Japanese mathematics). Refers to mathematics introduced from the West, especially during the Meiji period.
See also: 和算
In the Meiji period, Western arithmetic was introduced into school education.
The shift from traditional Japanese mathematics to Western mathematics was part of Japan's modernization.
Standard kanji form. Reading ようざん is more common than ようさん.
Alternate reading; ようざん is preferred.
Compound of 洋 (Western, overseas) and 算 (calculation, arithmetic). Coined in the Meiji era to distinguish Western mathematics from traditional Japanese 和算.