ABSTRACT
If you feel that you already fully understand the ideas on numbers and symbols presented below, then go directly to Test your knowledge 4.1 and answer all questions. Remember to check your answers in
the back of the book and revise any areas in this section that you get wrong! Please remember that all the material contained in this section on fundamentals is considered essential prerequisite knowledge for your study of the unit outcomes that follow. In particular, the sections on: factors, products, powers, indices and exponents need to be thoroughly understood, as they form an essential part of the outcome on algebra. Therefore, you are strongly advised to work your way carefully through all the ideas and principles presented here, before moving on to the unit outcomes.
