How to Use the Soroban

Basic Rules:

➊ Each column represents a place value (from right: units, tens, hundreds)

➋ Upper bead (heaven) = 5 units

➌ Lower beads (earth) = 1 unit each

Addition:

1. Set the first number using beads

2. Add the second number starting from rightmost digit

3. Carry over excess beads to next column

Subtraction:

1. Set the larger number first

2. Subtract starting from rightmost digit

3. Borrow from next column if needed

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