![]() Any digits to the right of the units represent decimals: tenths, hundredths, etc. The soroban user is free to choose which rod is used for the units typically this will be one of the rods marked with a dot (see the 6 in the example above). The number 8036, for instance, is represented by the following configuration: This is done in the same way as in Western, decimal notation: the rightmost digit represents units, the one to the left of it represents tens, etc. These digits can subsequently be used to represent multiple-digit numbers. Representation of digits 0 - 9 on the soroban In this manner, all digits from 0 to 9 can be represented by different configurations of beads, as shown below: For the "five bead" this means it is moved downwards, while "one beads" are moved upwards. By moving beads towards the reckoning bar, they are put in the "on" position i.e., they assume value. The soroban uses a decimal system, where each of the rods can represent a single digit from 0 to 9. Suanpan usually do not have this feature. Unit rods to the left of the designated one also aid in place value by denoting the groups in the number (such as thousands, millions, etc.). ![]() Any number that is represented on rods to the right of this designated rod is part of the decimal part of the answer, unless the number is part of a division or multiplication calculation. These are unit rods and any one of them is designated to denote the last digit of the whole number part of the calculation answer. One unique feature that sets the soroban apart from its Chinese cousin is a dot marking every third rod in a soroban. The cost of a soroban is commensurate with the materials used in its construction. They are normally made of wood, although the beads of some soroban, especially those made outside Japan, can be marble, stone, or even plastic. The beads themselves are usually biconal (shaped like a double-cone). Most soroban made in Japan are made of wood and have wood, metal, rattan, or bamboo rods for the beads to slide on. The beads and rods are made of a variety of different materials. Each rod represents a digit, and a larger number of rods allows the representation of more digits, either in singular form or during operations. Basic models usually have thirteen rods, but the number of rods on practical or standard models often increases to 21, 23, 27 or even 31, thus allowing calculation of more digits or representations of several different numbers at the same time. The number of rods in a soroban is always odd and never fewer than seven. The number and size of beads in each rod make a standard-sized 13-rod soroban much less bulky than a standard-sized suanpan of similar expressive power. Each set of beads of each rod is divided by a bar known as a reckoning bar. The soroban is composed of an odd number of columns or rods, each having beads: one separate bead having a value of five, called go-dama ( 五玉, ごだま, "five-bead") and four beads each having a value of one, called ichi-dama ( 一玉, いちだま, "one-bead").
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