Early Computing

Front

What was the earliest recognized device for computing?

Back

the abacus

Front

Where and when was the abacus invented? Options: in Egypt around 5000 BCE, in Europe around 250 BCE, in Mesopotamia around 2500 BCE, in Africa around 500 BCE

Back

in Mesopotamia around 2500 BCE

Front

On this abacus, with rows representing powers of ten, what number is shown? Options: 2,512, 1,521, 1,251, 5,121

Back

1,251

Front

Which device enabled sailors to calculate their latitude at sea? Options: an astrolabe, a slide rule, an abacus, a difference engine

Back

an astrolabe

Front

The earliest documented use of the word “computer” is from a book written in the year ___ (Options: 1183, 1392, 1613, 1984)

Back

1613

Front

In the early days, a "computer" was ___

Back

a person who did calculations

Front

The gear-based calculating device, built by Gottfried Leibniz in 1694, was known as ___

Back

the step reckoner

Front

The step reckoner was so successful it was used as a calculator design for ___

Back

the next three centuries

Front

Before the 20th century, most people experienced computing through ___

Back

pre-computed tables

Front

Militaries were among the first to apply computing to complex problems, such as ___

Back

calculating range tables