The Abacus: The World's First Computing System

The abacus is as efficient and useful a tool today as it was when it was first devised many centuries ago. Whether you're a computer expert or you're mastering arithmetic and word problems for the first time, it won't take long to learn the basics (and even the not-so-basics) of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing on this ingenious and fun-to-use mathematical tool.

This step-by-step, accessible guide to the abacus features:

· Quick, easy-to-read examples of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

· Hands-on tips and tricks for helping the grade-school child master arithmetic

· Instructions for crafting your own, one-of-a-kind abacus

· The rich history of the abacus—and why it is still useful in the age of computers