This chapter gives an overview of real numbers and the ways in which they combine with each other. The basic types of real numbers are defined, and absolute value is introduced. This is followed by an overview of fractions, including the basic arithmetic operations with fractions and the interrelationship of fractions, decimals, and percents. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of pairs of real numbers is discussed, followed by a discussion of expressions involving several numbers and operations, including exponential expressions, and a discussion of the order of operations. This is followed by the topic of evaluation of more general expressions – namely, algebraic expressions, involving variables. Finally, the basic real number properties are defined and used to simplify expressions. |
2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education