Chapter 1
Arming Yourself with Math Basics
IN THIS CHAPTER
Identifying four important sets of numbers
Reviewing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
Examining commutative, associative, and distributive operations
Knowing exponents, roots, and absolute values
Understanding how factors and multiples are related
You already know more about math than you think you know. In this chapter, you review and gain perspective on basic math ideas such as sets of numbers and concepts related to the Big Four operations (adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing). I introduce you (or reintroduce you) to properties and operations that will assist with solving problems. Finally, I explain the relationship between factors and multiples, taking you from what you may have missed to what you need to succeed as you move onward and upward in math.
Understanding Sets of Numbers
You can use the number line to deal with four important sets (or groups) of numbers. Each set builds on the ...
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