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Early Counting Tools
ABACUS—FIRST CALCULATING DEVICE
The first step towards computing was the invention of Abacus around
3000 years ago, in China. It is a wooden frame with beads on parallel
wires which can do simple calculations like addition and subtraction.
This device is used to calculate numbers at a fast speed.
Abacus
Tech Fact
Abacus is also used in schools as an aid in teaching the number system.
PASCALINE ADDING MACHINE
In 1642, a mathematician, Blaise Pascal
invented the calculating machine called the
Pascaline Adding Machine. The numbers
were fed into the machine by dialing them
on the wheels. This device is believed to be
the first mechanical calculator of the world.
This machine was capable of performing Pascaline Blaise Pascal
only addition and subtraction.
LEIBNIZ STEP RECKONER
In the beginning of 1670s, a mathematician,
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz invented the digital
mechanical calculator called Step Reckoner. It
was the first calculator that could perform all four
arithmetic operations, i.e., addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division. Leibniz Step Reckoner
8 Plus (Ver. 2.2)-V

