The Basics of Arithmetic
Arithmetic is a fundamental
branch of mathematics that deals with the basic operations of numbers. Arithmetic encompasses four fundamental operations:
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
These operations form the basis of mathematical calculations and are used extensively in everyday life and various fields of study.
Arithmetic forms the building
blocks for more advanced mathematical concepts and is an essential skill in
everyday life, enabling us to solve problems, make informed
decisions, and engage with various fields such as science, finance, and
engineering.
History of Arithmetic
Arithmetic has its roots in prehistoric counting procedures, and it was used for everyday tasks by early civilizations such as the Sumerians and Egyptians. The Indo-Arabic numeral system revolutionized arithmetic by introducing efficient representation and zero as a placeholder.
Indian mathematicians
established their principles during the Middle Ages, and Europe adopted them.
During the Renaissance and modern eras, arithmetic became more accessible
through publication and education. Over time, arithmetic progressed from simple
counting to becoming an essential skill for higher math, science, and technology.
It is still used in daily life, from commerce to personal banking, indicating
its enduring value.
Arithmetic Operations
Arithmetic includes four primary operations which
are addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Let's explore each operation
in detail:
1. Addition:
Addition is the process of
joining two or more numbers to find their total, which is frequently referred
to as the sum. It is represented by the '+' symbol. For example, combining 4 and
5 gives 9 (4 + 5 = 9). When adding higher numbers, begin at the
digit on the right and work from there to the left, carrying over any extra
when the total exceeds 9.
2. Subtraction:
Subtraction is the process used to calculate the difference between two numbers. It is represented by the '-' symbol. To subtract, start with the rightmost digit and work your way to the left. When the digit in the bottom number is greater than the corresponding digit in the top number, borrowing may be necessary.
3.
Multiplication:
4. Division:
The process of dividing a number into equal parts is
known as division. It is represented by the '÷' or '/' symbol. When
dividing, begin with the largest divisor multiple that fits into the dividend.
Then subtract the multiple from the dividend and repeat with the remainder
until you can no longer subtract without going negative.
Order of Operations
The order of operations is a
set of rules that determine how arithmetic operations are performed in a
mathematical equation. BODMAS/PEMDAS is an abbreviation that can help you
remember the order.
BODMAS stands for;
B= Brackets
O= Order
D= Division
A= Addition
S= Subtraction
PEDMAS stands for;
P= Parentheses
E= Exponents
M= Multiplication
D= Division (from left to right)
A= Addition (from left to right)
S= Subtraction (from left to right).
Following this order ensures that calculations are
carried out correctly.
