The Abacus As A Tool For Mental Arithmetic
What is mental arithmetic?
Mental arithmetic is the ability to perform calculations in one’s mind without using any external aids such as paper, pencil, or calculator. Mental arithmetic can improve one’s memory, concentration, logical thinking, and creativity. It can also enhance one’s speed and accuracy in solving mathematical problems.
How does the abacus help in mental arithmetic?
The abacus helps in mental arithmetic by providing a visual and tactile representation of numbers and operations. By manipulating the beads on the abacus, one can learn the basic principles of arithmetic and number sense. The abacus also helps in developing a mental image of the beads and their positions, which can be used to perform calculations mentally.
The abacus system of mental calculation is a system where users mentally visualize an abacus to carry out arithmetical calculations. No physical abacus is used; only the answers are written down. Calculations can be made at great speed in this way.
The abacus has several advantages over using the modern calculator for mental arithmetic. The main advantage is the ability to perform arithmetic operations mentally as the calculations are performed with two hands, improving the work of both hemispheres of the brain. Activation of the two hemispheres of the brain leads to the formation of neural connections.
How to learn mental arithmetic using the abacus?
To learn mental arithmetic using the abacus, one needs to follow these steps:
Learn how to use the abacus to represent numbers and perform basic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Each rod on the abacus represents a place value, such as ones, tens, hundreds, etc. The rods are arranged from right to left, with the ones place being the farthest right. Each bead on the abacus has a value depending on its position and the rod it is on. The beads on the upper part of the rod are called heaven beads and have a value of 5. The beads on the lower part of the rod are called earth beads and have a value of 1. To represent a number on the abacus, one needs to move the beads towards the center beam. To reset the abacus to zero, one needs to move all the beads away from the center beam.
Practice using the abacus regularly and master different techniques and methods for each operation. For example, to add two numbers, one needs to align them on the same place value and then add each pair of beads from right to left. To subtract two numbers, one needs to align them on the same place value and then subtract each pair of beads from right to left. To multiply two numbers, one needs to use repeated addition or a multiplication table. To divide two numbers, one needs to use repeated subtraction or a division table.
Gradually transition from using the physical abacus to using a mental image of the abacus. This can be done by reducing the size of the abacus, hiding some parts of it, or closing one’s eyes while using it. The goal is to visualize the beads moving on the abacus as one performs each operation mentally.
Challenge oneself with more complex and varied problems that require mental arithmetic skills. For example, one can try solving problems involving fractions, decimals, percentages, algebra, geometry, etc.
If you want to give your child the gift of mental math mastery, you should enroll them in our online abacus classes. Our experienced and qualified teachers will teach them how to use the abacus to perform calculations faster and more accurately. You will get one on one online classes according to your preference and convenience. To get started, you can Book Free Demo class today and see the difference for yourself. Visit our website e-Tuitions to learn more.













