Addition
The fastest method for adding two (or more numbers) with an abacus is to learn to either directly add a number digit or group number digits by 5 or 10. We call these grouping methods, the Five (5) Extras or Ten (10) Extras. The links for the lessons to add and subtract directly are in the Getting Started section. Use the Addition by Grouping link to study the lessons for adding using grouping with whole numbers and decimals.
The simplest way to add two numbers with an abacus is to set the first number.. Then push one bead at a time to the bar, counting each bead until you have reach the digit you are adding. When you have "counted" each digit, you have successfully added the number. In the link, Addition by Counting, we guide you through the special situations you may run into in adding two or more whole numbers and decimal numbers.