HistoryAbacus (Suen Poon)Use of the AbacusNumbering SystemCalculation

Abacus (Suen Poon) consists of a wooden frame with 13 sticks (some may have less) stretched vertically between the top and bottom, a wooden bar runs horizontally in the frame, two third of the way up the sticks. Two beads are strung on each stick above the horizontal bar and five beads below. The two beads represent five units each and the lower beads, single units of the order represented by the column.

Many centuries ago, the abacus evolved independently in many countries throughout Europe, the Middle East and China. Its use is recorded in China as early as 6th century B.C., from where it found it's way to Korea and Japan.

Different styles of abacus were used in different countries, the Chinese version being known as a "Suen Poon" (abacus), use of the abacus in the Western world ceased many years ago but it is still in extensive use in Hong Kong and China.

The Abacus (Suen Poon) is still in use and its distinctive noise can be heard in many small businesses and restaurants in Hong Kong and China.

Experts use it to make long and complicated calculations faster than the same calculations made by using an electronic calculator. Indeed, competitions are regularly held in Hong Kong to determine which method is faster and the Abacus (Suen Poon) users inevitably win.

One mathematics teacher in Hong Kong has gone a step further; he teaches his pupils to calculate using a Abacus (Suen Poon) and when they are proficient, he removes the Abacus (Suen Poon). The pupils then solve complicated mathematical problems by moving their fingers as if using an imaginary Abacus (Suen Poon). They have been tested and have proved capable of making mental calculations quicker than using electronic calculators.

The first time, an IBM computer was put on display at the old Radio Show at Earls Court, a glass-fronted box containing an abacus (Suen Poon) was located on the wall next to the computer. Under the box was the message:

"IN CASE OF FAILURE, BREAK GLASS".

Fig. 1
(Seventy-six thousand five hundred and twenty-one)

Result = 4

Result = 9

Result = 8

Result = 15

Result = 6,779

Result = 7,880

Result = 8,515

Result = 144

Result = 602

Result = 3,450

Result = 30,258

Result = 226,162

Have Fun!

Modified: 27th May 2010

More information will be added in next update!