ABSTRACT
Why it is important to understand: Basic arithmetic Being numerate, i.e. having an ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers with some confidence, goes a long way towards helping you become competent at mathematics. Of course electronic calculators are a marvellous aid to the quite complicated calculations often required in engineering; however, having a feel for numbers ‘in our head’ can be invaluable when estimating. Do not spend too much time on this chapter because we deal with the calculator later; however, try to have some idea how to do quick calculations in the absence of a calculator. You will feel more confident in dealing with numbers and calculations if you can do this.
