Arithmetic is a branch of
mathematics which records elementary properties of certain
arithmetical operations on
numbers.
The traditional operations are
addition,
division,
multiplication, and
subtraction; although, more advanced topics, such as
exponentiation and
square roots, are part of this field. Arithmetic is performed according to an
order of operations.
The arithmetic of natural numbers, integers, rational numbers (in the form of fractions) and real numbers (in the form of decimal expansions[?]) is typically studied by schoolchildren of the elementary grades. Representations of numbers in terms of percentages are generally studied then as well. However, in adult life, most people rely on calculators to perform arithmetical computations.
The term "arithmetic" is also sometimes used to refer to number theory; it's in this context that one runs across the fundamental theorem of arithmetic and arithmetical functions.
See also:
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