Answer:
The correct answer is A: John Napier.
Napier's Bones is named after its inventor, John Napier, a Scottish mathematician, physicist, and astronomer. He developed this tool in the early 17th century as a mathematical calculating device to simplify multiplication and division operations. Here is a detailed explanation of Napier's Bones:
What are Napier's Bones?
Napier's Bones are a set of numbered rods or strips made of bone or ivory. These rods are inscribed with multiplication tables and arranged in a specific pattern.
How do Napier's Bones work?
The rods are divided into squares, and each square contains a column of numbers representing the digits 0 to 9. The rods are then stacked and aligned in a way that allows users to perform multiplication and division calculations.
Multiplication:
To multiply two numbers using Napier's Bones, follow these steps:
1. Write down the numbers to be multiplied side by side.
2. Align the corresponding digits vertically.
3. Multiply the digits in each column and write the result in the corresponding square of the rods.
4. Add the numbers in each diagonal and record the results.
Division:
To perform division using Napier's Bones, follow these steps:
1. Write down the dividend and divisor.
2. Align the corresponding digits vertically.
3. Divide the digits in each column and write the results in the corresponding squares of the rods.
4. Add the numbers in each diagonal and record the results.
Advantages of Napier's Bones:
- Napier's Bones provide a visual and systematic approach to perform multiplication and division.
- They eliminate the need for manual calculations and reduce the chances of errors.
- They can be easily used by individuals who are not well-versed in complex mathematical operations.
In conclusion, Napier's Bones were invented by John Napier and provide a simple yet effective way to perform multiplication and division calculations.