Early calculating methods and devices are discussed. These include finger products, the abacus, ancient multiplication algorithms, Napier's bones, and monograms. (MP)

Provides a brief historical explanation of the multiplication sign in mathematics. (ASK)

Discusses the mistakes of Kirschner, the German philosopher and mathematician, in calculating factorials of large numbers by hand in the 1600s. Uses computer technology to calculate those numbers now. (ASK)

Computational algorithms appearing in early American arithmetic text are discussed. (SD)

Modern sophisticated computers are shown to multiply the same way the ancient Egyptians did more than 4000 years ago--by doubling and adding. (MN)

Drill activities for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division that are derived from the history of mathematics are suggested. (MK)

Explores the five multiplication techniques found in the 12th century Lilavati by Bhaskara, which appear again in the 1494 Summa by Pacioli. Includes a student worksheet. (KHR)

Presented is the ancient Egyptian algorithm for the operations of multiplication and division of integers and fractions. Theorems involving unit fractions, proved by Fibonacci, justifying and extending the Egyptian or Ahmes' methods into the Hindu-Arabic numeric representational system are given. (MDH)