ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors develop the use of algebra further while reviewing some aspects of arithmetic: fractions; powers and roots; order of calculations; and ratios and percentages. They show how the summation sign can be used to denote the addition of many values. Scientific notation for numbers is introduced to let us write very small and very large numbers and even ordinary-sized numbers when we know them to only a certain accuracy. The authors explain three main objectives. The first is to help the biology students understand what they are doing when they perform calculations, regardless of whether they use pencil and paper, a calculator, or a computer. The second is to show that algebra greatly aids in describing the relations between numbers and, by extension, physical quantities. The third is to show them how to tackle algebraic problems. Practice with both the arithmetic and the algebra of fractions is also provided.
