Introduction

Before we begin doing algebra we will take some time to discuss the arithmetic operations that are used in algebra. These operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and exponents) are familiar to anyone taking an algebra course. However, it’s possible they were learned so long ago that a complete understanding was unnecessary at the time. In this chapter we will develop an intuitive understanding of these basic operations using practical terms and grounding metaphors as described in “Where Mathematics Comes From” by Lakoff and Nunez. Equipped with a fluent understanding of arithmetic, algebra (which is “just a variety of arithmetic” according to Isaac Asimov) will ultimately become as intuitive and useful as arithmetic.

Our goal in this chapter is to understand the basic operations with real numbers in multiple ways visually, practically, and symbolically. Specifically, we will