Understanding Arithmetic: Concepts, Operations & Problem Solving

Reviewed by:

Rama Sharma

What are the Four Basic Arithmetic Operations in Maths?

The concept of arithmetic plays a key role in mathematics and is widely applicable to both real-life situations and exam scenarios. Mastering arithmetic helps students solve problems quickly and accurately, whether working with money, time, measurements, or exam questions. This topic is the foundation of all higher mathematics.

What Is Arithmetic?

Arithmetic is defined as the branch of mathematics that deals with numbers and the basic operations performed on them: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. You’ll find this concept applied in areas such as calculation of averages and means, number sequences, and day-to-day operations like shopping, budgeting, or measuring quantities.

The Four Basic Arithmetic Operations

Arithmetic mainly covers four essential operations:

Addition: Combining two or more numbers to get their total. For example, 12 + 8 = 20.
Tip: Adding zero to any number leaves it unchanged.
Subtraction: Finding the difference between two numbers. For example, 20 − 7 = 13.
Tip: Subtracting a number from itself equals zero.
Multiplication: Repeated addition of a number. For example, 5 × 4 = 20.
Tip: Multiplying by zero always results in zero.
Division: Splitting a number into equal parts. For example, 20 ÷ 5 = 4.
Tip: Dividing by one leaves the number unchanged.

Key Formulas in Arithmetic

Here are some important formulas you will use often in arithmetic:

Arithmetic Mean (Average): \( \text{Mean} = \frac{\text{Sum of values}}{\text{Number of values}} \)
Sum of Arithmetic Sequence (AP): \( S_n = \frac{n}{2}(a_1 + a_n) \) where \( n \) is number of terms, \( a_1 \) is the first term, \( a_n \) is the last term.
n-th Term of AP: \( a_n = a_1 + (n-1)d \), where \( d \) is the common difference.

Order of Operations (BODMAS Rule)

In arithmetic, it’s important to follow the correct order of operations, known as BODMAS (Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction). This ensures you solve expressions the right way. Learn more at BODMAS Rule.

Step-by-Step Illustration

Let’s solve an example using the BODMAS rule:

1. Calculate: 25 + 5 × (27 ÷ 3) − 9

2. Division inside brackets: 27 ÷ 3 = 9

3. Multiply: 5 × 9 = 45

4. Add: 25 + 45 = 70

5. Subtract: 70 − 9 = 61

Solving Word Problems

To solve arithmetic word problems, follow these simple steps:

1. Read the problem and underline important numbers and keywords.

2. Identify which operation (add, subtract, multiply, divide) to use at each step.

3. Translate the problem into an equation.

4. Solve step by step as shown in the example.

Example: The sum of two numbers is 50 and their difference is 30. Find the numbers.

1. Let the numbers be x and y.

2. \( x + y = 50 \), \( x - y = 30 \)

3. Add the equations: \( (x + y) + (x - y) = 50 + 30 \Rightarrow 2x = 80 \Rightarrow x = 40 \)

4. Substitute x in the first equation: \( 40 + y = 50 \Rightarrow y = 10 \)

5. The numbers are 40 and 10.

Speed Trick or Vedic Shortcut

Here’s a quick addition trick: To add two double-digit numbers quickly, add their tens parts first, then the ones, and finally combine.

Example Trick: Add 38 + 47 fast.

1. Add tens: 30 + 40 = 70

2. Add ones: 8 + 7 = 15

3. Add both: 70 + 15 = 85

Shortcuts like this are useful in exams and are regularly practiced in Vedantu’s live classes to improve speed and accuracy.

Try These Yourself

Solve 54 – 29.
Multiply 23 by 8.
Find the average of 12, 15, and 21.
Divide 108 by 9.

Frequent Errors and Misunderstandings

Forgetting the order in BODMAS when calculations are complex.
Mixing up subtraction and addition, especially with negative numbers.
Placing decimals incorrectly in multiplication or division.
Rushing and missing calculation steps.

Relation to Other Concepts

The idea of arithmetic connects closely with topics such as algebra and number systems. Having a strong foundation in arithmetic makes it easier to understand more advanced mathematics like algebraic expressions, percentages, ratios, and sequences.

Classroom Tip

A quick way to remember arithmetic operations is to think of “Aunt Sally” — Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally reminds you: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication & Division, Addition & Subtraction (PEMDAS/BODMAS). Vedantu’s teachers often use such mnemonics to help you remember calculation order in live classes.

Real-Life Applications of Arithmetic

We use arithmetic every day — for shopping, splitting bills, reading time, converting units, or solving puzzles. For example, supermarkets use addition and subtraction to make bills, banks use multiplication for interest, and carpenters use division and multiplication to measure materials accurately.

Budgeting pocket money
Calculating travel time
Measuring ingredients in recipes

Further Learning & Internal Links

We explored arithmetic — from definitions, formulas, examples, common mistakes and its use in daily life. Practicing arithmetic regularly — and following concepts from Vedantu sessions — will help you become quick and confident at maths!