h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: Using an Abacus: Part One, Addition and Subtraction - A20340235
Author: Leo - U519437


Just something quick to tide me over while I work on bigger .

Have at, folks. Dare you to try the exercises.

Good, practical article. Like it!

Can you link to a picture? It would really help me to understand the instructions.

One nitpick:

Did you have the anti-gravity model then? Cool!

Icy

Well, what else would you call it if not up and down?

I'd like to include some pics in the entry itself. There aren't any online that are useful for this purpose. You really need to be looking at the real thing. Not sure if the eds will let...

...still working on multiplication. I always seem to be off by one digit...

Someone here hosts pictures on his website that we can link to - can't remember who, but someone will oblige, I'm sure - just take a photo of yours and send it to him.

Yes, I know we often say 'up and down' when we really mean left and right or back and forth. It depends on the context, really. You might get away with it.

Somehow "left and right" and "back and forth" mean the same thing to me. I guess it's kind of like calling north on a map 'up'. Ahdunno.

Anyway, I've got photos (http://new.photos.yahoo.com/alphaleochicken/album/576460762392342894) and can shoot news ones pretty easily should it be necessary. I'd prefer if the could go in the entry itself (they set a bad precedent with the snow lantern entry A2408492) but if not, I'll link them in.

That link doesn't work for me, Leo

Bad 'puter!

>>Someone here hosts pictures on his website << I think it's Deep Doo Doo, Icy. Unless I'm having another moment

W

I'll check in with him, then.

Not your 'puter, Granny Wilma. I forgot to make the album public.

Try this one:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/alphaleochicken/album/576460762392342894

Nice, I'd go for 10 and 547 - no glare. Good pics, Leo. Oh and thanks

*hobble off to drag kids to skool*

Good one, Leo - and almost prefect.

A couple of queries:

Um... What Is an Abacus?: I knew nothing about abacuses until I (too) started looking for a decent picture. I was surprised to discover that the 9 rod abacus is only one of several distinct types - perhaps you should make that clearer?

(By the way, I really like the idea of 'heaven & earth' beads.)

OK, So What Do I Do with It?: [or place a large one on your lap]

And This Works How? mid 1st para: [and on and on to a hundred million.]

So How About Some Math?: [Maths] (We're British, you know!)

Easy Stuff! Bring on the Subtraction. 1st para: [unlike on paper with a pencil,]

I Like Electric Calculators Better.: [Calculators]


I came across a few 'interactive abacus simulators' on my travels:

http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/jo/numbers/machine/abacus.htm

http://www.cut-the-knot.org/blue/Abacus.shtml


Can't wait for the next lesson .

How's this coming along, Leo?

Hold off for the moment, young man. K?