Arithmetic is the art and technique of computing with numbers under the four operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

• Addition is the uniting of two or more quantities in one sum, denoted by the plus sign (+).

• Subtraction is to determine the difference between two or more quantities, denoted by the minus sign (-).

• Multiplication is the process of finding the sum (product) of a number repeated a given number of times (the multiplier).

• Division is the operation of determining how many times a number or quantity (the divisor) is contained in another number (the dividend); the number found is called the quotient.

In order for a student to succeed in mathematics, they have to achieve automaticity in the performance of the four basic operations. Students must have the ability to effortlessly complete each operation or combination of the arithmetic operations with low interference of other simultaneous activities and without conscious thought, throughout the step-by-step process. Automaticity is achieved through repetition of these basic math skills. Once a student has mastered such skills, an arithmetic task can be completed almost effortlessly.

Now that we have reviewed the four operations of arithmetic, we need to examine the rules for performing multiple operations in a numerical expression. After we examine order of operations, we well explore rational numbers (fractions).