Description
- Used in Schools when Calculators Aren\'t Allowed
Well you know how it goes. Sometimes the batteries in your talking calculator will die suddenly. Occasionally you won\'t want to disturb others around you by listening to your calculator out loud. And of course; when you\'re still a kid in school; you\'re not supposed to use a calculator to do your math homework ... This durable; plastic pocket-sized abacus has thirteen columns of beads which allow you to \"write down\" your calculation. Then; by simply taking away and adding beads to different columns; you can keep track of every step of the problem you\'re solving. Addition; subtraction; multiplication and division questions can all be performed on this nifty device - not to mention finding the square root of a number. Using the abacus is perhaps far easier than it looks. At the top of each column is one single bead; which stands for 5. Below this are four more beads; each of which represents a single 1 digit. By \"recording\" numbers on the abacus; then taking beads away or adding new ones; you\'re able to manipulate numbers independently and perform basic and complex calculations at the drop of a hat. And underneath the beads is a firm; stiff foam backing; which prevents beads from sliding around on their own. Yes; the abacus method of solving arithmetic problems is the standard for blind students; and training for the same is offered in schools in lieu of sighted kids working out problems long-hand on paper. In summary; for a blind person; using the abacus is just like using a pen and paper to work something out. And now; it\'s more affordable than ever!