Chisanbop, << CHIHZ uhn bop or JEE suhn bop, >> is a registered trademark for a method of calculation based on the use of the fingers. The word Chisanbop comes from a Korean word meaning finger calculation method. Students can use the system to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
Chisanbop is based on the decimal system. In Chisanbop, each finger and thumb represents a certain value. Each of the four fingers on the left hand has a value of 10. The left thumb has a value of 50. Each of the four fingers on the right hand has a value of 1. The right thumb has a value of 5. Therefore, if a student has all fingers and thumbs extended, the hands show a value of 99. If the student makes two fists, the hands show a value of 0.
Suppose you want to add 18 to 15. Start by making two fists with your palms down. You would next display 18. Extend one finger on the left hand and three fingers and the thumb on the right. Think of 15 as 10 + 5. Add the 10 by extending another finger on the left hand. To add the 5, tuck the thumb under on the right and extend another finger on the left for a net exchange of 15. By adding the values of each finger extended, you get the answer: 33.
Korean mathematician Sung Jin Pai developed Chisanbop in the late 1940’s. However, some believe Chisanbop is an ancient technique because it is similar to working with an abacus, an ancient Chinese device used to perform arithmetic problems. Pai’s son, Hang Young Pai, improved the method and began to teach Chisanbop in the United States in 1976. Teachers in many countries now teach the method to students as young as kindergartners. Chisanbop is also an excellent method to teach math to students with certain disabilities. For example, blind students can use Chisanbop because sight is not needed to learn it. Students with some types of learning disabilities use the method because they can solve math problems without having to understand written instructions.
