[ASK] Can Abacus be Used to Multiply Two Single Digits?

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SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that a Chinese abacus, or suanpan, can be used to multiply two single-digit numbers, despite some sources suggesting otherwise. While traditional methods often require memorization of the multiplication table, the abacus facilitates this process through its counting mechanism. Additionally, participants inquire about the feasibility of using the abacus for division of single-digit numbers, indicating a broader interest in its capabilities beyond addition.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Chinese abacus (suanpan) functionality
  • Basic multiplication concepts
  • Familiarity with traditional arithmetic operations
  • Knowledge of division principles
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore techniques for multiplying single-digit numbers using the suanpan
  • Research methods for performing division on the Chinese abacus
  • Study the historical context and evolution of the abacus
  • Learn about advanced abacus techniques for complex calculations
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Students, educators, and enthusiasts of traditional mathematics, particularly those interested in learning and teaching multiplication and division using the Chinese abacus.

Monoxdifly
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Can an abacus (by abacus here I mean suanpan, the Chinese abacus) be used to do multiplication of two single digit numbers? Like 4 x 8, 7 x 5, 9 x 7, etc. I have been Googling around but all of them only show multiplication with either one or more number have more than one digit. One source even states that an abacus can't be used to multiply a single digit number with another single digit number and students must memorize the multiplication table to be able to multiply using abacus. This is weird to me, if abacus was built to make people count easier and it helps with addition, which is the simplest math operation, why to be able to multiply with abacus you have to memorize the multiplication table, in which multiplication is more complicated than addition?
 
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Hi Monoxdifly,

I found this page that might be helpful! :)
 
Yes, I also have found it. By the way, can abacus be used to count divisions of two single digit numbers, for example, 8:2?
 

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