BASIC ARITHMETIC
STUDY GUIDE
Four Operations with Clear, Step-by-Step Examples
ADDITION SUBTRACTION
Put amounts together Find what remains
MULTIPLICATION DIVISION
Count equal groups Share into equal groups
What you will learn
- Choose the right operation for a calculation or word problem.
- Work through arithmetic problems one step at a time.
- Check your answers and spot mistakes before they become habits.
- Practise independently with questions and a complete answer key.
Who is this for? School students learning or revising the basics of arithmetic.
This guide uses original examples and practice questions to support independent learning.
Basic Arithmetic Study Guide Page 1
, Contents
- 1. The four operations
- 2. Addition
- 3. Subtraction
- 4. Multiplication
- 5. Division
- 6. Order of operations
- 7. Estimating and checking
- 8. Mistakes to watch for
- 9. Practice worksheet
- 10. Answers and self-review
1. The Four Operations
Arithmetic is all about working with numbers. The four operations below appear in everyday tasks, from counting objects to sharing
things equally.
Operation Symbol When to use it Example
Addition + Combine amounts 8 + 5 = 13
Subtraction − Find a difference or what is left 13 − 5 = 8
Multiplication × Work out the total in equal groups 4 × 3 = 12
Division ÷ Split a quantity into equal groups 12 ÷ 3 = 4
Useful vocabulary: The numbers added together are called addends, and their answer is the sum. Subtraction gives a difference,
multiplication gives a product, and division gives a quotient.
2. Addition
Addition means putting quantities together. When you see the plus sign (+), combine the numbers to find the total.
Example 1: 46 + 27
Step 1: Add the ones: 6 + 7 = 13. Write 3 in the ones place and carry 1 ten.
Step 2: Add the tens: 4 + 2 + 1 = 7 tens.
Answer: 73
Example 2: 125 + 238
Break 238 into 200 and 38.
125 + 200 = 325
325 + 38 = 363
Answer: 363
Three handy addition facts
- Order can change: 7 + 4 = 4 + 7. The total stays the same.
- Grouping can change: (2 + 3) + 5 = 2 + (3 + 5).
- Adding zero changes nothing: 9 + 0 = 9.
Try it in real life
Mira has 28 stickers. Her friend gives her 16 more. How many stickers does Mira have now?
28 + 16 = 44
Mira now has 44 stickers.
Basic Arithmetic Study Guide Page 2
STUDY GUIDE
Four Operations with Clear, Step-by-Step Examples
ADDITION SUBTRACTION
Put amounts together Find what remains
MULTIPLICATION DIVISION
Count equal groups Share into equal groups
What you will learn
- Choose the right operation for a calculation or word problem.
- Work through arithmetic problems one step at a time.
- Check your answers and spot mistakes before they become habits.
- Practise independently with questions and a complete answer key.
Who is this for? School students learning or revising the basics of arithmetic.
This guide uses original examples and practice questions to support independent learning.
Basic Arithmetic Study Guide Page 1
, Contents
- 1. The four operations
- 2. Addition
- 3. Subtraction
- 4. Multiplication
- 5. Division
- 6. Order of operations
- 7. Estimating and checking
- 8. Mistakes to watch for
- 9. Practice worksheet
- 10. Answers and self-review
1. The Four Operations
Arithmetic is all about working with numbers. The four operations below appear in everyday tasks, from counting objects to sharing
things equally.
Operation Symbol When to use it Example
Addition + Combine amounts 8 + 5 = 13
Subtraction − Find a difference or what is left 13 − 5 = 8
Multiplication × Work out the total in equal groups 4 × 3 = 12
Division ÷ Split a quantity into equal groups 12 ÷ 3 = 4
Useful vocabulary: The numbers added together are called addends, and their answer is the sum. Subtraction gives a difference,
multiplication gives a product, and division gives a quotient.
2. Addition
Addition means putting quantities together. When you see the plus sign (+), combine the numbers to find the total.
Example 1: 46 + 27
Step 1: Add the ones: 6 + 7 = 13. Write 3 in the ones place and carry 1 ten.
Step 2: Add the tens: 4 + 2 + 1 = 7 tens.
Answer: 73
Example 2: 125 + 238
Break 238 into 200 and 38.
125 + 200 = 325
325 + 38 = 363
Answer: 363
Three handy addition facts
- Order can change: 7 + 4 = 4 + 7. The total stays the same.
- Grouping can change: (2 + 3) + 5 = 2 + (3 + 5).
- Adding zero changes nothing: 9 + 0 = 9.
Try it in real life
Mira has 28 stickers. Her friend gives her 16 more. How many stickers does Mira have now?
28 + 16 = 44
Mira now has 44 stickers.
Basic Arithmetic Study Guide Page 2
