The four operations: practice with integers, fractions, decimals, surds, algebraic terms

This worksheet is a good starter activity, or the basis of a longer lesson. The key aim is to apply a consistent understanding of each of the four operations; addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, regardless of the topic area.

For addition, subtraction and division, the 'denomination' of each term needs to be the same. For example; 4a + 2a, 4a - 2a, and 4a / 2a are all straight forward provided we understand that + means 'get some more', - means 'take some away' and divide means 'put into groups of... or piles of'. For multiplication, we can use 'logical language'; eg 2a x 3b = 6ab hence 2 'root3' x 3 'root 5' = 6 'root 3' 'root 5', which of course can be simplified to 6 'root 15'.

Further explanation of this approach to the four operations is provided in the Maths 'Help Booklet' which I have authored and is available for free from the TES site.