2-A

Basic Arithmetic

• the number line
• trichotomy law
• absolute value
• addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
• integers
• exponents and roots
• laws of exponents
• squares and square roots
• logarithms
• change of base formula
• laws of logarithms
• pemdas
• distributive law
• exercises
• answers explained

To do well on the Math Level 1 test, you need a good working knowledge of arithmetic—not because there are several questions on arithmetic (in fact, there are very few) but because arithmetic is the basis for much of the math that is on the test. In theory, you do not have to know how to subtract negative numbers, how to add fractions, or what fractional and negative exponents mean because you can use your calculator to evaluate (–3) – (–5) and ${\displaystyle \frac{3}{8}}+{\displaystyle \frac{4}{5}}$ and $\left(4^{-{\displaystyle \frac{1}{2}}}\right)(4^{-2})$. However, you must know the rules so that you can subtract (–3xy) – (–5xy) and add ${\displaystyle \frac{3}{x}}+{\displaystyle \frac{4}{y}}$ and simplify $a^{{\displaystyle \frac{1}{2}}}{a}^{-2}$.