Education and demonstration – Mathematics – Arithmetic
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-03
2001-03-13
Ackun, Jacob K. (Department: 3712)
Education and demonstration
Mathematics
Arithmetic
C434S188000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06200140
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to educational aids.
The invention may be regarded as a development of the conventional math-beam or math-balance. In a math-balance, a horizontal beam is provided, having weight stations, at which weights can be attached. Various mathematical relationships can be demonstrated to children, who discover how the weights can be manipulated to balance the beam.
The invention also has links to the technology disclosed in patent publication WO-95/32778 (Steane, Dec 7, 1995).
One of the problems with a conventional math balance is that the balance cannot represent negative numbers. Of course, the notion of subtraction of a small positive number from a larger positive number can be demonstrated on the conventional balance; but the different concept of the negative numbers as a series of numbers extending away from zero in the parallel but opposite sense to positive numbers, is traditionally much harder to teach, and the traditional math balance provides no assistance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention basically involves providing two balance-beams, and a means for constraining the two beams to interact. As will be explained, the two beams are arranged one to represent positive numbers, and the other to represent negative numbers. The in-balance condition of the beams serves to indicate equality, as in a conventional math-balance.
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Ackun Jacob K.
Anthony Asquith & Co.
Fernstrom Kent
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