Arithmetic is the oldest, most basic and primitive part of mathematics. It studies the properties and operations of numbers. The oldest mathematics, arithmetic, is formed by accumulating and sorting out the properties of numbers and the experience of four operations between numbers in the application process.

All mathematics in ancient times was called arithmetic, and modern algebra and number theory originally developed from arithmetic. Later, the concepts of arithmetic and mathematics appeared, which replaced the meaning of arithmetic and included all mathematics, and arithmetic became a branch of it.

Extended data:

The development of arithmetic

In ancient China, it was a bamboo computing device. Arithmetic refers to the technology of operating this computing device, and also refers to all the mathematical knowledge related to calculation at that time.

There are different relationships between numbers. In order to calculate these numbers, there are methods of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. These four methods are four operations.

Modern algebra and number theory were originally developed from arithmetic. Later, the concepts of arithmetic and mathematics appeared, which replaced the meaning of arithmetic and included all mathematics, and arithmetic became a branch. So it can also be said that arithmetic is the oldest branch.