Learning the Abacus  @Kutztown University

Introduction

This is the introduction (slide show) to the Learning the Abacus Class at Kutztown University. 

Overview: Single Abacus Approach to Multiplication, Division and Fractions

Many students use a Single Abacus to multiply and divide 2 numbers or add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions using the multiplication or division tables.   The numbers in the calculation and the result are entered in special positions  on the abacus.  The slide shows below show the processes for performing these calculations.  

Multiplication

Multiplying 2 numbers using a Single Abacus involves setting the first number (multiplicand) on the left side of the abacus and the second number (multiplier) to the right of the first number.  Several columns on the right edge of the abacus are used to calculate the product.  The slide show below is a short course in multiplying 2 numbers.  

Division

Dividing 2 numbers using a Single Abacus involves setting the first number (divisor) on the left side of the abacus and the second number (dividend) on the right edge of the abacus.  The result (quotient) is set between the divisor and dividend during the calculation.  The slide show below is a short course in dividing 2 numbers.  

Fractions

Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions using a Single abacus involves setting the numbers in the fraction is special columns.  The final result is calculated using these positions.  The slide show below is a short course in adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions using this approach.

Multiplication Practice Problems