There are four important operations that you will encounter when solving problems in mathematics. The figures below indicate some of the actions in a problem that lead to different operations.

Addition and subtraction are related operations. Addition typically means to combine two or more numbers, and subtraction involves the difference, or removal, of one number from another.

Multiplication and division are also related operations. Both operations involve grouping and rates.

You have explored how to tell when to use which operation. Now, you will focus on identifying the operation from a word problem, and then using procedures to actually perform the operation and determine a solution to the problem.