the branch of pure mathematics dealing with the theory of numerical calculations
"The professor explained that arithmetic is the branch of pure mathematics dealing with the theory of numerical calculations."
The mathematics of numbers (integers, rational numbers, real numbers, or complex numbers) under the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
"The student struggled with arithmetic when trying to divide large integers by fractions without a calculator."
In plain English: Arithmetic is the basic part of math that deals with numbers and their operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
"The teacher asked us to solve some basic arithmetic problems on the board."
Usage: Use "arithmetic" as a noun when referring specifically to basic mathematical calculations involving whole numbers and simple fractions, distinguishing it from broader fields like algebra or calculus. As an adjective, describe tasks that rely on straightforward numerical computation rather than advanced theoretical mathematics.
Of, relating to, or using arithmetic; arithmetical.
"The teacher assigned several straightforward arithmetic problems to practice basic addition and subtraction."
In plain English: Arithmetic describes something that involves basic math calculations, such as adding and subtracting numbers.
"The arithmetic problems on his homework were too easy for him."
From Middle English arsmetike, from Old French arismetique, from Latin arithmētica, from Ancient Greek ἀριθμητική (τέχνη) (arithmētikḗ (tékhnē), "(art of) counting"), feminine of ἀριθμητικός (arithmētikós, "arithmetical"), from ἀριθμός (arithmós, "number, counting"), from Proto-Indo-European h₂ri-dʰh₁-mó-s, form of h₂rey- ("to count, reason"). Used in English since 13th century.