Abacus is a device used to perform mathematical calculations. It was invented ages back and kept changing with time, resulting in different types of Abacus. The abacus kit is usually a combination of beads and strings within a wooden frame. The beads are movable up and down to calculate.
The various types of Abacus present are listed below.
The Chinese Abacus is also known as suanpan and has more than seven rods with two beads in every string of the upper portion. There are five beads in every row of the lower section. The Abacus kit is made of hardwood.
It originates from Japan, and the rods here are made of metal or bamboo, while the beads are from wood. It is in use even today.
These were in use in ancient Rome. Here stones were used instead of beads on a table. These were metal plates.
The Russian Abacus is differentiated from the other types by the horizontal positioning of the beads from right to left.
It originates from Taiwan. It combines the characteristics of both the Chinese Abacus and Japanese Abacus.
Therefore, the different types of abacus were used in various periods and countries and eventually led to our modern school abacus.
A century-old tool, the abacus, is based on the movement of beads along the rods with the help of the thumb and index finger. In the upper deck, every bead has a value of 5, and in the lower one, each bead has a value of 1.
There are two ways to carry out the calculations with the help of an abacus. They are:-
Before you begin, ensure that this is a stage where the child is preparing. Further, the kid must start with any computation by using an abacus. Then, lay the device over a flat surface with the help of a thumb by sliding it and moving the index finger alongside the beam. This step is called 'Zeroing' or 'Set Zero'.
Further, free separate the central beam and the beads and ensure accuracy of the calculation. Additionally, also tag the starting of a new arithmetic calculation. Thus, all this helps fix the abacus numbers as zero numerals.
The beads are assumed to be computed with their movement along the bar that detaches the deck. Notably, the beads in the upper deck are Heavenly beads, and the lower ones are called Earthly beads.
Softly move a bead from a column lower deck to the answering bar to count the value to one.
Now, gently slide a bead from the one’s column lower deck to the answering bar; this value counts to one. Post counting 4 in the lower deck, the result is carried on as 5 in the upper deck. After the bead in the upper deck is used, the result is carried to the next column as 10.
The development of an abacus in humans is confirmed by some of the world's best known institutions. The abacus is used by children using both hands simultaneously. Therefore, both left and right brains are stimulated at the same time. Thus, the brain is able to function as a whole.
Only in very few activities, such as swimming and sword fighting, do the left and right brains work simultaneously.
Competent individuals with a clear focus can succeed in this increasingly competitive environment. Abacus can improve your memory and mental stability.
According to a study, children who learn Abacus have stronger logical reasoning skills than those who do not. Researchers claim that children who practice abacus have a 70% greater cognitive power than those who do not.
A cognitively active mind keeps your mind sharp and active and contributes to your improved performance. It not only applies to all basic math calculations, but also to fractions, which require quick thinking.
It is always advantageous to have enhanced memory capabilities. Memory power is a measure of mental strength. Focus and grasping abilities go hand in hand. Abacus students show an astounding range of memory abilities. This also facilitates easy recall of knowledge.