Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division

Math Operators: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division

Lesson Objectives

Understand the basic mathematical operators: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Perform calculations using each of the four operations.
Apply math operators in real-life problem-solving contexts.
Recognize how these operations interact through order of operations.

Lesson Introduction

Mathematical operators form the foundation of arithmetic. Whether you're solving simple sums or complex algebraic expressions, understanding how to use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division is essential. In this lesson, you'll explore how each operator works and practice solving various problems using them.

Lesson Content

Addition

Addition is the process of finding the total or sum by combining two or more numbers. The plus sign \((+)\) is used for addition.

Example: What is \(345 + 289\)?

Add the numbers directly: \(345 + 289 = 634\)

Subtraction

Subtraction finds the difference between two numbers. It uses the minus sign \((-)\).

Example: Find \(652 - 427\)

Subtract to get: \(652 - 427 = 225\)

Multiplication

Multiplication is repeated addition. It uses the multiplication sign \((\times)\) or \((\cdot)\).

Example: What is \(12 \times 8\)?

\(12 \times 8 = 96\)

Division

Division is splitting a number into equal parts. It uses the division symbol \((/)\) or a fraction bar \(\left(\frac{a}{b}\right)\).

Example: Calculate \(144 \div 12\)

\(144 \div 12 = 12\)

Using All Operators Together (Order of Operations)

When all four operators are involved, follow the order of operations (BODMAS/PEDMAS): Brackets, Orders (Exponents), Division and Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction.

Example: Evaluate \(8 + 6 \div 2 \times 3\)

Step 1: Division → \(6 \div 2 = 3\)

Step 2: Multiplication → \(3 \times 3 = 9\)

Step 3: Addition → \(8 + 9 = 17\)

Answer: \(17\)

Exercises

Find the sum: \(723 + 198\)
[WAEC] Subtract \(604 - 159\). (Past Question)
Multiply: \(35 \times 7\)
[NECO] What is \(81 \div 9\)? (Past Question)
Solve: \((5 + 3) \times 4\)
[JAMB] Evaluate \(12 + 6 \div 3 \times 2\). (Past Question)
What is \(900 - 475\)?
[NABTEB] Multiply \(64 \times 5\). (Past Question)
Divide \(360 \div 12\)
Simplify: \(10 + 2 \times 5 - 3\)

Conclusion/Recap

In this lesson, you've learned how to use the four fundamental mathematical operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. You practiced applying them individually and together using the order of operations. Mastery of these basics is crucial for tackling more advanced topics in math.