The calculator is a computing machine. Its purpose is to do mathematics; basic calculators do the basic mathematical functions (addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication) while the more advanced ones, which are relatively new in the history of computing machines, do advanced calculations such as solving polynomials. The odometer, or mileage counter, in your car is a counting machine as is the calculator in your backpack and the computer on your desk. They may have different ability levels, but they all tally numbers.

Early calculators

Perhaps the earliest calculating machine was the Babylonian rod numerals. Not only was it a notational device, but administrators carried rods of bamboo, ivory, or iron in bags to help with their calculations. Rod numerals used nine digits.

The next invention in counting machines was the abacus. A counting board dating from approximately 500 BCE now resides in the National Museum in Athens. It is...