Which of the following was the first counting tool?

Correct option is B

The Abacus is considered the first counting tool developed by humans. It was used for performing basic arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

• The Abacus dates back to around 2400 BCE and was first used in Mesopotamia.
• It consists of a frame with rods and sliding beads, which represent units, tens, hundreds, etc.
• It remained a fundamental tool for calculations for centuries, especially in regions like China and Japan.

Important Key Points:

1. Abacus:
• A simple, mechanical counting device used for manual calculations.
• It paved the way for modern computational tools.
2. Importance of the Abacus:
• It introduced the concept of place value and organized counting.
• Even today, it is used for teaching basic arithmetic concepts.

Knowledge Booster:

1. Option A: Aba Zaba
• Incorrect: This is not related to counting tools; it refers to a candy brand, not a historical device.
2. Option C: Punch Card
• Incorrect: Punch cards were used for storing and processing data in early computers, introduced in the 19th century.
3. Option D: Stepped Reckoner
• Incorrect: The Stepped Reckoner was a mechanical calculator invented by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz in 1673, long after the Abacus.