an abacus is a Chinese type of adding machine and can still be found in authentic Chinese laundries. i remember i guess it was the 1st grade we had an abacus in the class room and you can also find them on baby toys and cribs . they are round differantly colored bits of wood and slide back and forth. i read somewhere that they were used in china a couple of thousand years ago
The Mesopotamians are believed to be the first civilization to have used abacuses, between around 2700-2300 BC.
Yes, abacuses (or is it abaci?) were used to calculate simple maths problems.
"Today, abacuses are often constructed as a bamboo frame with beads sliding on wires, but originally they were beans or stones moved in grooves in sand or on tablets of wood, stone, or metal." ~ Wikipedia
hova
106 lines
Plural of abacus: abaci or abacuses.
Normally we say abacuses, pronounced "abba cusses;" some particular people use abaci, usually pronounced "abba sigh." The excruciatingly correct pronounce abaci like a Roman "abba key."
Yes they were the calculators of the past. A few people still use them today.
They are not used commercially but are still commonly used in schools for basic maths education.
An abacus can be made from various materials, including wood, plastic, metal, and even glass. Traditional wooden abacuses often feature beads made from wood or stone, while more modern versions may use plastic beads for durability. Metal abacuses might incorporate stainless steel or aluminum for a sleek design. Additionally, some decorative abacuses utilize glass or resin for aesthetic appeal.
The Mesopotamians are believed to be the first civilization to have used abacuses, between around 2700-2300 BC.
It's one of the plural forms of Abacus - a counting frame. The other plural form is 'Abbaci'
There are several types of abacuses, each designed for different purposes and cultures. The most common include the traditional Chinese abacus (suanpan), which features two beads above and five beads below each rod, and the Japanese soroban, which has one bead above and four beads below. The Russian abacus, or schoty, typically has a different bead arrangement and is used for various arithmetic calculations. Additionally, there are modern variations, such as digital or educational abacuses, which are used to teach basic arithmetic concepts.
The cost of an abacus can vary widely depending on its size, material, and quality. Basic wooden or plastic abacuses typically range from $10 to $30, while more elaborate or decorative versions can cost between $30 and $100 or more. Specialty or educational abacuses may also be available at higher price points.
Many devices do so, or allow you to do so. Some of the more obvious ones are computers, calculators, and abacuses