Abax is the Latin root of abacus. It means 'slab', applied to the abacus because of its shape I suppose. I remember being shown an abacus as a child, and later my mom taught me how to use a circular slide rule.

I like math and use it in my job as an air traffic controller everyday. I also use math in many of my hobbies. When an opportunity arises, I try to use math to help those around me solve problems in a manner that is more accurate than might be achieved otherwise.

Apart from specific applications in technical professions, I lament that math seems to be poorly understood and little-used by many adults. It's nice to realize that a kilt is the product of someone's skill in sewing *and* math.

Abax