Hold the abacus flat on a table or in your hands
Identify the frame, rods, beads, and divider bar
Move all beads away from the divider bar to reset the abacus
Understand the value of each rod from right to left
Use the lower beads for ones and the upper beads for fives
Slide beads toward the divider bar to represent numbers
Count each bead touching the divider bar as part of the number
Practice setting single-digit numbers first
Add numbers by moving beads to the correct positions
Subtract numbers by moving beads away from the divider bar
Carry or borrow by adjusting beads on adjacent rods
Check your work by reading the beads from left to right
Practice regularly to improve speed and accuracy