The abacus, originated in ancient Babylon, is a calculating tool with beads that slide on rods or wires, was in use in the ancient Near East, including regions where Arabic mathematics flourished, says UCDA Design Conference.
Structure: An abacus typically features a frame holding rows of beads or counters that can be moved.
Functionality: Each row represents a different place value (units, tens, hundreds, etc.).
Calculations: By manipulating the beads, users can represent numbers and perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
History: The abacus has been used in various cultures, including ancient Near Eastern, European, Chinese, and Russian civilizations.