basic arithmetic
nounUK /ˈbeɪsɪk əˈrɪθmətɪk/
US /ˈbeɪsɪk əˈrɪθmətɪk/
Basic arithmetic is simple math with numbers, like adding and taking away.
In first grade, we learn basic arithmetic by counting apples and adding them together.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The basic math skills needed for everyday tasks like shopping or measuring.
You need basic arithmetic to figure out how much change you should get at the store.
3. The simplest level of math taught in early school years.
The teacher made sure every student mastered basic arithmetic before moving on to fractions.
4. The everyday use of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing numbers.
Balancing a checkbook requires only basic arithmetic.