Arithmetic/Introduction

Arithmetic is the study of numerical quantities. At least a basic understanding of arithmetic is fundamental in the study of algebra and many other mathematical studies.

Basic Operations

There are four basic operations one can perform on different numeric quantities (as well as other mathematical objects which you will encounter later). These are:

• addition
• subtraction
• multiplication
• division

Equals

It is also important to understand that the equals sign (in this book, '$=$' ) means that the things on both sides are of equal value, and that $=$ is not an operator.

When you see an $=$ sign, say to yourself Same value, different appearance.