How to do Addition using Abacus Kit

Introduction

The Abacus Kit is a device used to solve complex arithmetic calculations within seconds. It has columns and rows and beads that slide on them. The abacus kit known to be invented by the Chinese, turned out to an outstanding mathematical gift to the mankind.

We have discussed quite so much about the origin and usage of the Abacus kit.

Addition using the Abacus kit:

Adding numbers using the Abacus kit is no big a deal when the basics are understood well. At Thej Academy, we make sure we lay the foundation right, before we get into the details. We make the children understand the practical usage of the Abacus kit before we teach then to solve arithmetic calculations using the same.

Solving different addition problems using Abacus kit:

Beginners and newbies, fret not!

Addition is well known to be the simplest of the calculations. Using an abacus kit, it can be done even more easier. Let us help you understand the easiest methods of adding numbers using an Abacus kit.

Follow the image for the bead movements. The instructions are mentioned clearly step by step, for better understanding.

Let us start learning from the single digit numbers.

Calculating 2 + 4 using the abacus

• Step 1:
  • Let us begin by setting the kit to zero.
• Step 2:
  • To get 2, move two earthly beads in the units column towards the reckoning answering bar.

• Step 3:
  • Now the value is 2.
  • The next step is to add 4 to it.
• Step 4:
  • Since we do not have 4 earthly beads, we need to move a heavenly bead towards the reckoning bar.
• Step 5:
  • Slide a 5 in the units column.
  • Now the value is 5 + 2 = 7.
• Step 6:
  • Since we need only 4, we give back 1 from the ones column. ( 5 – 1 = 4).

Fret not kids! Giving back is as easy as adding a number.

• Step 7:
  • As we can see, the final value in the kit is 6.
  • There you go! 6 is the answer.

Calculating 8 + 3 using Abacus kit:

• Step 1:
  • Let us begin by setting the kit to 0
• Step 2:
  • Move one heavenly bead in the units column to get 5.
  • Move 3 earthly beads from the same column.
• Step 3:
  • We have one heavenly bead and 3 earthly beads on the units column.
  • The value we have now is 8.
• Step 4:
  • The next step is to add 3. Oh oh, what do we do now ??
  • Since we don’t have 3 more earthly beads on the units column, we have to borrow from the 10’s column.
  • So, we add a 10.
• Step 5:
  • We have 10 in the 10’s column and 8 in the units column.
  • In order to give back the borrowed number, we have to subtract 7 from the units column.
• Step 6:
  • In order to give back 7 from the units column, we remove the heavenly bead.
  • Following this, we remove 2 more earthly beads.
• Step 7:
  • Now we have 10 in the 10’s column and 1 in the units column.
  • Therefore , the answer in the abacus kit is 8 + 3 = 11.

Calculating 6 + 9 using Abacus kit:

• Step 1:
  • Let us begin by setting the abacus kit to 0
• Step 2:
  • Move the heavenly bead in the units column to get 5.
  • Move 1 earthly beads from the same column.
• Step 3:
  • We have 5 on top and 1 in the bottom of the reckoning bar.
  • The value we have now is 6.
• Step 4:
  • The next step is to add 9. Oh boy, don’t feel stuck, it is an easy move.
  • Since we don’t have 9 more earthly beads on the units column, we have to borrow from the 10’s column.
  • So, we add a 10.
• Step 5:
  • We have 10 in the 10’s column and 6 in the units column.
  • The total value now is 16.
• Step 6:
  • In order to give back the borrowed number, we have to subtract 1 from the units column. (9 = 10 – 1)

Relax kids, you’re getting better at this.

• Step 7:
  • Now we have 10 in the 10’s column and 5 in the units column.
  • Therefore, the answer in the abacus kit is 10 + 5 = 15.

Calculating 32 + 16 using Abacus kit:

Now that you sharp minds have a hang of the single digit additions, let’s move on to two digits and challenge your brains a bit more!

If you got stuck anywhere, head over to our previous article Understanding Abacus Kit.

• Step 1:
  • Let us begin the calculation by setting the kit to 0
• Step 2:
  • Move 3 earthly beads from the 10’s column to the answering bar.
  • Following that, move 2 earthly beads to the answering bar.
• Step 3:
  • We have 30 in the 10’s column and 2 in the units column.
  • Now, the value is 32

Wow! Look at that! That was easy, wasn’t it ??

• Step 4:
  • In order to add the 16 to it, we start with 10.
  • Add 10 in the 10’s column.
• Step 5:
  • Let’s add 6 in the unit’s column.
  • In the units column, move a heavenly bead(5) and an earthy bead(1) to the answering bar.
• Step 6:
  • Now we have 40 in the 10’s column and 8 in the units column.
  • The value in both the columns is 40 + 8 + 48.
  • Therefore, the answer 32 + 16 = 48

Calculating 19 + 72 using the Abacus kit:

• Step 1
  • Let us begin by setting the kit to 0
• Step 2
  • Move one earthly bead from the 10’s column to the answering bar.
  • The value we have now is 10.
• Step 3
  • To add 9 in the unit’s column, Add one heavenly bead and all four earthly beads to the answering bar.
  • Now, the value is 9
• Step 4
  • We have 10 from the 10’s column and 9 from the unit’s column
  • 10 + 9 = 19
  • We got the first number, 19.

Oh yay! Bring it on kids, we’re doing great so far!!

• Step 5
  • For the second number 72. Let’s add 2 in the unit’s column.
  • Since we have used all the beads in the units column. we have no more beads to add.
  • We need to borrow one from the 10’s column.
  • Add one earthly bead in the 10’s column to the answering bar.

Relax kids, we’re almost done.

• Step 6
  • In 72, We need only 2 in the unit’s column.
  • Because we have borrowed 10 from the 10’s column. Let us give 8 back.
  • Minus 8 from the unit’s column.

Look at that, we did it!!

• Step 7
  • Add 7 in the 10’s column
  • The total value is 90 for the 10’s column
• Step 8
  • The value for both 10’s and units column are 90 + 1 = 91
  • 19 + 72 = 91

Calculating 66 + 82 using Abacus kit:

No no no, we aren’t afraid of big numbers. Bring it on!!

Ready kids??

• Step 1:
  • Start by setting abacus the kit to 0
• Step 2:
  • Move a heavenly and earthly bead in the units column to the answering bar to get 6.
  • Following that, do the same in the 10’s column to get 60.
• Step 3:
  • We have 60 in the 10’s column and 6 in the units column.
  • Now, the value is 66.

Well done smarties, what’s next?

• Step 4:
  • Let us start the addition by adding 82 to it.
  • Add 2 earthly beads in the units column.
• Step 5:
  • The next step is to add 80.
  • Since we do not have adequate beads in the 10’s column, we have to borrow from the hundreds column.
  • Move a 100 from the 100’s column.

It was little difficult, wasn’t it? Relax kids, you’ll ace it with little more practice.

• Step 6:
  • Now subtract 20 from the 10’s column to give back the borrowed number.
  • In order to give back 20, we remove the 50 first.

Great job kids, keep going!

• Step 7:
  • Now add 30 in the 10’s column.
  • Move 3 earthly beads towards the answering bar.

Do not confuse, the complimentary formula being 80 = -50 + 30.
This is what we have worked in order to give back the borrowed 100.

• Step 8:
  • As we can see, the value in the kit is 100 + 40 + 8.
  • Therefore, 66 + 82 = 148.

Conclusion:

We at Thej Academy at KK Nagar, Chennai have well – trained and skilful mentors, who can train kids to ace the Abacus. Right from understanding the Abacus kit, reading numbers on the abacus kit to performing arithmetic calculations, we take the fullest care in training the kids. Practising to solve math problems using an Abacus kit not only helps children to score well in exams, but also trains them to focus better.

We also have other Courses like Singapore Math, Midbrain Activation, Spelling bee and more… in our academy, do check.

We really hope this article on Addition using an Abacus kit helped you to gain an insight about how easier math is, using an abacus kit. We will cover more details on various courses In our upcoming articles. If you have any queries related to abacus, feel free to get in touch! You can also check our faq page for more clarifications.