The first tool created for the sole purpose of doing math was actually the abacus. It dates back to 2,500 B.C.E. and is thought to be invented by the Sumerians. A typical abacus would look something like this:
While abacuses were good with addition and subtraction even in large denominations, they were not good at multiplication and division, requiring the invention of another, more complex arithmetic tool.
The first true calculator is known as the Pascal Calculator. It was invented by a man named Blaise Pascal. It performed calculations through a clockwork-type mechanism. Pascal was highly praised for his invention, but unfortunately, his calculators were very difficult to make, thus resulting in only a few being made at the time.
Many more calculators would come and stand the test of time, but the ones that made the final cut ended up being digital calculators. Digital calculators were invented by the Japanese, but later, companies such as Texas Instruments would come and improve the use and size of your average calculator. Many calculators can perform problems that were once considered impossible.
Fun Facts:
- The first handheld calculator was invented by American company Texas Instruments in 1967 and were further developed in the early 1970s.
- Calculators were once gear driven wheels, but now most calculators are made with microchips.
- Types of calculators range from tiny pocket calculators to ones that can print calculations, although these printer calculators are mainly used for accounting.
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