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Basic Numerical Calculations: A Quick Guide
Basic Operations:
Addition (+): Combining numbers to find a total.
Example: 2 + 3 = 5
Subtraction (-): Taking away one number from another.
Example: 7 - 4 = 3
Multiplication (*): Repeated addition of a number.
Example: 3 * 4 = 12
Division (/): Splitting a number into equal parts.
Example: 10 / 2 = 5
Order of Operations (PEMDAS):
To ensure accurate calculations, follow the order of operations:
Parentheses: Solve expressions within parentheses first.
Exponents: Evaluate powers and roots.
Multiplication and Division: Perform multiplication and division from left to right.
Addition and Subtraction: Perform addition and subtraction from left to right.
Example:
Calculate: 2 + 3 * 4 - 5
Multiplication: 2 + 12 - 5
Addition and Subtraction: 14 - 5 = 9
Fractions:
Addition and Subtraction: Find a common denominator before adding or subtracting.
Multiplication: Multiply the numerators and denominators separately.
Division: Invert the second fraction and multiply.
Decimals:
Addition and Subtraction: Align the decimal points and add or subtract as usual.
Multiplication: Multiply as if they were whole numbers, then count the decimal places in the factors to determine the placement of the decimal point in the product.
Division: Move the decimal point in the divisor to make it a whole number, and move the decimal point in the dividend the same number of places. Then, divide as usual.
Percentages:
Calculating a Percentage of a Number: Multiply the number by the percentage (as a decimal).
Example: 20% of 50 = 0.20 * 50 = 10
Finding the Percentage Increase or Decrease:
Percentage change = (New value - Old value) / Old value * 100%
Remember: Practice is key to mastering basic numerical calculations. Use calculators for complex calculations, but always understand the underlying principles.