ABSTRACT
Knowledge of mathematics and skill in using numbers are essential for life in the modern world. At an elementary level we need to be able to count money for shopping and assess whether we are getting the right change. We need to to be able to work out calculations for household tasks like the cost of papering or carpeting a room. There are frequent references to amounts and quantities in newspaper articles and advertisements and we need a basic knowledge of statistics. At a more advanced level mathematics is an essential tool in many areas, for example physical science, engineering, geography and economics. It is a tool of communication. Adults in today’s world need to be numerate. Although the development of calculators has changed the need for basic calculation it is still essential to understand the concepts behind the calculations in order to use the calculator effectively.
