Basic Concepts
In a nutshell: Numbers and operations are the building blocks of math, used in every aspect of daily life.
## Understanding Numbers
Numbers are the foundation of all mathematics. In GED Math, you'll work with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents.
### Types of Numbers
- **Whole Numbers:** 0, 1, 2, 3, ...
- **Integers:** ... -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...
- **Rational Numbers:** Numbers that can be written as a fraction.
- **Irrational Numbers:** Numbers that cannot be written as fractions (like \( \pi \) or \( \sqrt{2} \)).
### Basic Operations
The four basic operations are addition (+), subtraction (−), multiplication (×), and division (÷). Mastering these is crucial for solving more complex problems.
### Working with Fractions and Decimals
- To add or subtract fractions, make sure the denominators are the same.
- To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators and denominators.
- Converting decimals to fractions and percents helps compare values.
### Estimation and Mental Math
Estimation is a useful skill for checking your answers quickly and making smart guesses when needed.
## Real-Life Applications
Numbers and operations help you with tasks like budgeting, measuring, and cooking.
Examples
- Adding $12.50 and $7.30 to find the total cost of groceries.
- Dividing a pizza into 8 equal slices and figuring out how many each person gets.
Key terms
- Fraction
- A number that represents a part of a whole, written as one number over another (e.g., 1/2).
- Integer
- A whole number that can be positive, negative, or zero.
- Percent
- A way of expressing a number as a fraction of 100.