f) Now multiply 7 with 4 of the divisor 46. 7 5 4 = 28. By saying this, subtract 28 from
the 35 of the 358. Now you are left with 78 in 358. Say 7 5 6 = 42 and subtract 42
from the 78. You are now left with 36 which is smaller than the divisor 46. Hence,
your assumed quotient is the actual quotient. In the abacus, you will now find 3 in
the hundreds column, 6 in the tens column and 8 in the units column.
g) The divisor is 46 and you have 368 in the dividend. Select the assumed quotient as 8.
Multiply 8 by the 4 of the dividend. By saying 8 5 4 = 32, clear 3 from the 3 of the
hundreds column and 2 from 6 of the tens column. You are left with 4 in the tens
column and 8 in the units column. Now multiply 8 with the 6 of the divisor. By
saying 8 x 6 = 48, clear the 48, the number left in the abacus.
h) The quotient is 78.
Note : In selecting the assumed quotient :
i) In the previous problem, if you had selected 6 as the assumed quotient, what
would have happened? Don’t worry. Carry on with the problem. Consider 358 of
the dividend. As in the case of multiplication, multiply the divisor 46 and the
assumed quotient 6. You get 276. When 276 is subtracted from 358, you get 82
as the remainder which is greater than the quotient. DON’T RESET THE PROBLEM,
Ask : How many 46’s in 82. By saying 1, you add the 1 with the already set
assumed quotient 6, and thus ALTERING the quotient as 7. Now multiply 1 by
the divisor 46. By saying 46, subtract 46 from 82. The remaining number is 36.
Now consider 368 and proceed as in the previous case. Here also the assumed
quotient is selected as mentioned earlier.
ii) When you select 8 as the assumed quotient, what will happen? Your calculation
will point out your mistake! You are considering 358 of the dividend for calculation
at the first stage. Now multiply 46 5 8. That is, multiply 4 5 8 = 32 and
subtract that value 32 from 35. You are left with 38 in the abacus. Multiply 6
with 8. The value 48 cannot be subtracted from 38. Hence the assumed quotient
is wrong. Reduce 1 (number) from the assumed quotient. RESET the dividend
and proceed. When you are correct, the abacus will show the correct result.