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Abacus—First Calculating Device
The first step in computing began about 3,000 years ago in China
with the invention of the Abacus. It is a wooden frame with beads
on wires that can be moved to do basic calculation, like adding
and subtracting. This device helps in calculating numbers quickly.
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Abacus is also used in schools as an aid in teaching the numeral system.
Pascaline Adding Machine
In 1642, the mathematician Blaise Pascal
invented a calculating machine called
the Pascaline. Numbers were entered
by turning wheels on the machine. This
device was considered the world’s first
mechanical calculator. It could only
perform addition and subtraction.
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In 1617, John Napier invented the calculating device called Napier Bones. It was
able to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Leibniz Step Reckoner
In the beginning of 1670s, mathematician
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz invented the ‘Step
Reckoner,’ a digital mechanical calculator. It
was the first calculator capable of performing
all four basic arithmetic operations: addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Difference Engine and Analytical Engine
In 1822, mathematician Charles Babbage created a steam-powered
calculating machine called the Difference Engine, which was as
large as a room. Despite working on it for 10 years, the machine was
never completed.
8 TrackGPT iPRO (V5.0)-V

