T
he basic arithmetic properties of whole numbers, integers, exponential expressions, fractions, and dec-
imals are fundamental building blocks of algebra. In fact, the properties used to simplify algebraic expres-
sions later in the text coincide with the rudimentary properties exhibited by these number systems. As
such, it is sensible to first gain familiarity with them and to then determine how to adapt them to a setting in which
variables are involved. These properties are reviewed in the first five problem sets in this section. Translating ver-
bal statements into mathematical ones and learning to deal with elementary algebraic expressions involving vari-
ables are the focus of the remaining four problem sets in this section.SECTION 1
PRE-ALGEBRA
FUNDAMENTALS