Let's consider the simple task of counting 5 objects :

Addition is simply a way of representing counting groups, e.g., 2 + 3 = 5 :

Subtraction is obviously opposite, which is thus reverse addition. E.g., remove the 2 from 5, and 3 objects remain, 5 - 2 = 3.

Multiplication is addition performed a specified number of times. E.g., 5 × 3 = 15, which is 5 added 3 times.

Similarly with addition & subtraction, division is opposite of multiplication. Divide 15 3 times equally, and rows of 5 are obtained. I.e., 15 ÷ 3 = 5.

As shown previously, calculating rational numbers is no different than calculating whole numbers as shown above. E.g., .625 ÷ .25 = 625/1000 ÷ 25/100 = (6250 ÷ 250) ÷ (1000 ÷ 100) = 25 ÷ 10 = 5 ÷ 2 = 2½ .

2 fundamental concepts of calculus are integrals and derivatives :

You can see that addition is thus responsible for all algebraic calculations - i.e., the only operation.

Why is this relevant ? Because weather forecasts are most often expressed best numerically, magnitudes of weather parameters indicated. Thus, knowing the character of numbers and mathematical operations using them is fundamental and useful.

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