ABACUS: Mystery of the Beads
| Before the invention of abacus, even simple calculations were difficult to perform. Our ability to calculate was limited by our ability to memorize numbers and experience. The advent of abacus, however, changed the education picture completely as it led to rapid expansion of commerce as well. It’s only recently that the use of electronic calculator has completely overtaken the abacus. |
| The Evolution of Abacus |
| The first device to be used for the purpose was probably the counting board, which was used at several places across the globe at different times in the history. The earlier counting boards used sand which was spread evenly on the surface and the users would simply draw the symbols. To start anew, they would simply shake the board or spread the sand evenly on the board again. The use of sand was later abandoned first in favor of pebbles, and then later for beads though the momentum of abacus education was . The hand abacus consisting of metal plate with metal beads was probably invented by the Romans. The Chinese abacus, called suan pan, was developed in the 11th century. |
| The Basics of Using Abacus |
| During actual calculations, when all the beads (or the other counters) are on one end, the result is zero. It doesn’t really matter whether you use Japanese or the Chinese abacus; the basic procedures remain the same. |
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| Why does Abacus Work? |
| While making calculations with the help of abacus is fun, it’s basically a way of recording of the place value of numbers while making calculations. This way, you can break a complicated calculation into various manageable segments which can then be quickly solved. |
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