In 1967, the first-ever handheld calculator was born. Modern computers, much like pocket calculators, perform many, if not all, mathematical operations without needing the user to manipulate the device directly. This is where the calculators we know today differ from the Abacus. This is where the calculators we have now depart from their predecessors.Īn essential part of the remarkable history of the development of computing devices is by successfully incorporating the control structure into the computing device itself. The downside, however, is that the user needs to directly manipulate the device by moving the beads for each step in to complete a computation. If you know how to use this simple mechanism, you can add, subtract, multiply, and divide. To use the Abacus for calculation, one must learn how to move the beads on the rods. All these features are present in an Abacus. What seemed to be a very simple device is equipped with four general features of a computational device: (1) a physical structure (2) an interpretation function (3) structure-specific transformation operations and (4) a control structure. We all had it on display at the back of our classrooms in elementary. It was a groundbreaking invention that led to the expansion in the understanding of mathematical concepts. The Abacus became the first numerical calculating device known to humankind. Over 5,000 years ago, the ancient Romans invented the Abacus. The uninitiated device that is often seen as a “cheat sheet” actually encourages students to lean towards Mathematics. We may deny it, but calculators serve as a vital tool to foster students’ mathematical curiosity and deepen conceptual understanding. Thankfully, the invention of innovative calculating devices has become more sophisticated therefore, solving and understanding complex numerical problems is now easier. The adage, “Math is everywhere,” is no longer enough motivation to keep students interested in mastering complex Mathematical equations regardless of age. It doesn’t help that the US education system has placed so much emphasis on the subject. For most of us, Math is one of the most demanding and challenging subjects to master, more so, to love.
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