subject: Abacus Mathematics [print this page] Abacus Mathematics Abacus Mathematics
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The word Abacus as we know is a Latin word having its origin from Greek word abax or abakon originated from Semitic word abq. The need for counting devices generated when human could no longer count the numbers in hand and the business demanded it. The Barter System then in practice to ensure near correct value had its own drawbacks and was not expectable in business terms. Arguments challenging system arose in business community.
Abacus is a Latin word that has its origin in the Greek word abax or abakon ( meaning " table or tablet") which in turn possibly originated from the Semitic word abq meaning : sand" The abacus is one of many counting devices invented to help count large numbers. The abacus is a device usually of wood (plastic in recent times) having a frame that hold rods with freely sliding beads mounted on them.
The person operating the abacus performs calculation mentally and uses the abacus as a physical aid to keep tract of the calculation.
Stone coins were invented for smooth trade, but the need for counting larger numbers demanded better systems. The first counting method was usually carried out in sand or on ground with lines drawn and pebbles or twigs were placed for counting, but it could not be carried anywhere. Many counting aids were devised such as Salamis Tablet made of stone dated back to 300 B.C in Babylonia, Counting boards were also used in some parts and each varied according to the place of use. Chinese Abacus known as Suanpan came into existence dated back to 5000 B.C. as a prominent contender which has stayed longer than its predecessors. It has been long used as a calculating tool only. But in recent times of 21st century the state of abacus has changed from calculating tool to Brain Development devise. Apart from the Chinese Suanpan Abacus the Japanese also developed their own abacus for their convenient later came to be known as Soroban developed on the basis of Suanpan. Soroban was more convenient than Suanpan due to convenience and became the widely used Abacus.
