Connection successful! Basic Math Operations Explained: A Complete Guide | Calculator
David Wilson
February 25, 2025
8 min read
Basics
Basic Math Operations

Basic Math Operations: The Building Blocks of Mathematics

Understanding basic mathematical operations is essential for everyday calculations and more advanced math concepts. This guide will help you master the fundamentals of arithmetic operations.

Addition

Understanding Addition

Addition is the process of combining numbers to find their total or sum.

Examples:

  • 2 + 2 = 4
  • 5 + 3 + 1 = 9
  • 10 + 20 = 30
Key Point: Addition is commutative, meaning the order doesn't matter (a + b = b + a).

Subtraction

Understanding Subtraction

Subtraction is the process of finding the difference between numbers.

Examples:

  • 5 - 3 = 2
  • 10 - 4 = 6
  • 20 - 15 = 5
Note: Unlike addition, subtraction is not commutative (a - b ≠ b - a).

Multiplication

Understanding Multiplication

Multiplication is repeated addition, used to find the product of numbers.

Examples:

  • 2 × 3 = 6 (same as 2 + 2 + 2)
  • 4 × 5 = 20
  • 10 × 10 = 100
Tip: Learning multiplication tables makes calculations faster!

Division

Understanding Division

Division is the process of splitting a number into equal parts.

Examples:

  • 6 ÷ 2 = 3
  • 15 ÷ 3 = 5
  • 100 ÷ 10 = 10
Remember: Division by zero is undefined!

Order of Operations

PEMDAS Rule

  • 1. Parentheses
  • 2. Exponents
  • 3. Multiplication and Division
  • 4. Addition and Subtraction

Example:

2 + 3 × 4 = 14 (not 20)

Multiply 3 × 4 first, then add 2

Decimals and Fractions

Decimals

  • 0.5 = 5/10
  • 0.25 = 1/4
  • 0.75 = 3/4

Fractions

  • 1/2 = 0.5
  • 1/3 ≈ 0.333...
  • 2/5 = 0.4

Percentages

Understanding Percentages

A percentage is a number expressed as a fraction of 100.

Percentage Decimal Fraction
50% 0.5 1/2
25% 0.25 1/4
75% 0.75 3/4

Common Math Symbols

Symbol Name Example
+ Plus 2 + 2 = 4
- Minus 5 - 3 = 2
× Multiply 3 × 4 = 12
÷ Divide 6 ÷ 2 = 3
= Equals 2 + 2 = 4

Practice Examples

Try These Problems

  1. What is 15 + 27?

    Answer: 42

  2. Calculate 40 - 15.

    Answer: 25

  3. Multiply 6 × 8.

    Answer: 48

  4. Divide 45 ÷ 5.

    Answer: 9
Practice Tip: Use our online calculator to check your answers!
David Wilson

David Wilson

Mathematics & Technology Expert

David is a mathematics educator with over 10 years of experience teaching students at various levels. He specializes in making complex mathematical concepts accessible and helping students excel in their studies.

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