Abacus is hardware that is used to perform arithmetic calculations. We call it a Counting frame. The calculation of the Abacus was invented during ancient times and is used as a brain development game these days. It also holds a rectangular frame that possesses several vertically arranged rods. Beads slide on these rods in an up and down way.

Parts of Abacus

• The boundary that lies on the Abacus 4 sides is called the Frame.
• The Abacus is further divided into the low and upper parts in a horizontal bar called Beam.
• The lower part beam is called Lower Bead or the Earth Bead.
• The upper part beam is called Upper Bead or the heaven Beads.

Benefits of an Abacus

• The Abacus helps in several areas like engineering, science etc.
• It is beneficial to improve the overall academic skill level.
• It lets the users solve everyday challenges without any hassle.
• It offers confidence to calculation based subjects as it makes the calculations quick and easy.
• It lets the children enhance creativity, innovation, listening, speed, accuracy, concentration, and so on.

Who Was the First to Use the Abacus for Counting?

The first Abacus was used to count in Mesopotamia or Sumer. The Abacus is believed to have been used for addition and subtraction by old Babylonian scholars.

The use of an Abacus

• Abacus operations include addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication.
• A number can also be squared or rounded to produce its roots.
• The index finger or the thumb of one hand is used to manipulate the beads.
• By simplifying calculations, it removes the fear of mathematics from students' minds.
• Boosts the potential of children.
• As the child learns to listen, speed, concentrate, be agile, accurate, imaginative, creative, innovative and have photographic skills.
• These skills are beneficial to dyslexic students. Abacus helps children improve their numerical skills through touch.
• Analytical information is found in the left hemisphere, which is involved in reading, writing, and calculating; creativity and artistic perception are found in the right hemisphere. Researchers found that practicing the Abacus continuously helped develop the underdeveloped right side of the brain.
• Individuals learn how to face and tackle challenges by improving their overall academic skills. It also boosts the confidence of the student and helps them to solve problems more effectively.
• This course is designed to facilitate the development of spatial abilities that have applications in areas such as architecture, engineering, science, etc.