Number of components: 117
Assembly time: 2.5 hours
Model size number slider: 21.5 x 11 x 2.3 cm
Model size multiplier: 24.8 x 25.5 x 4 cm
3D puzzle arithmetic kit from Ugears STEM-Lab. Explore in AR.
Assemble them and discover how the Mechanical Number Slider and Mechanical Multiplier work.
- Use the model kit's QR code to access the learning guide with information about the mechanisms, their operating principles, the most important features and formulas. It also contains interesting tasks.
- Immerse yourself in augmented reality and watch how the Mechanical Number Slider and Mechanical Multiplier work. Interact with the models using Ugears' dedicated AR app.
The arithmetic kit is part of the UGEARS STEM Lab collection and includes two ready-to-assemble models: the mechanical number slider and the mechanical multiplier.
Discover how the Mechanical Number Slider and Mechanical Multiplier work.
The Mechanical Number Pusher is a compact adding (or adding) machine that works with rails that are moved using an included stylus. By moving the moving rails marked with arrows and numbers from 0 to 9, you can add and subtract numbers.
The Mechanical Multiplier is a flat folding mechanism that can be used to perform binary operations on numbers. By moving the two handles you can perform multiplications and square number calculations from 1 to 12. This makes the multiplication tables fun.
When and by whom were the mechanical number slider and the mechanical multiplier invented?
The UGEARS Mechanical Number Slider is a DIY wooden model kit based on the number slider invented by Heinrich Kummer, a music teacher from St. Petersburg, in 1846. Its simple and compact design made it a popular mathematical tool at the time. Today, this simple and fun mechanism is part of UGEARS' extraordinary STEM Lab collection.
The UGEARS Mechanical Multiplier is a 3D wooden puzzle based on a children's toy called "Consul, the Educated Monkey". This “arithmetic monkey” was invented in 1915 by William Henry Robertson, an American mathematics teacher. Robertson applied for a patent for this toy, which ingeniously used a folding mechanism to perform multiplication "to stimulate children's interest in numbers."
How to use the mechanical number slider and mechanical multiplier
The mechanical number slider is used to add and subtract numbers. For this purpose, the user first enters a numerical value and then another numerical value using the pen. Depending on where the second number was entered (top row for addition, bottom row for subtraction), the device then displays the result of the desired mathematical operation. But the number slider isn't limited to addition and subtraction — you can also use it for multiplication and division.
The mechanical multiplier is a simple and interesting tool for learning the “unloved” multiplication table from 1 to 12 and getting to know the simple principle of folding lever mechanisms. If the two handles are moved to different numbers, their product will be displayed in the window above.
Components of the mechanical number slider and the mechanical multiplier and their function
The mechanical number slider consists of a housing with four rails or racks on which numbers are printed. A pen is used to enter the values. The numbers are entered into the curly grooves and the results are displayed in four central windows. Before adding/subtracting using the pen, the rails must be adjusted so that all windows display the value "0". First, the value of the number with which the operation is to be carried out is entered into the upper row of grooves; If the second number is to be added, this is also entered into the upper slots; the lower slots are used for subtractions.
The mechanical multiplier includes two handles that are moved along a number line (1-12), as well as a lever system that transfers the movement of the handles to a “result window” that moves over a field of values. When you move the two handles to different numerical values, the product of their multiplication appears in the “result window”. To multiply (square) a number by itself, the right handle must be moved to the rightmost position and fixed on the symbol “X²”.
Instructions
