Real mechanism behind addition, subtraction, multiplication, division

In summary, the basic rules for operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are well known. However, the reasoning behind why these rules work is not commonly understood. They are simply presented as arbitrary rules for how the operations should be carried out. Similarly, in games like poker or football, the rules are defined and accepted without much explanation. The only theoretical concern with arithmetic is whether the set of rules contains any contradictions. This issue was not fully understood until Gödel's work in the 1930s. The algorithm we learn in school for multiplication is a condensed version of multiple usages of the axioms.
  • #1
pratikaman
8
0
we all know the basic rules for operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

but what i don't know is why these rules (of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) works.

as if we have been given algorithm to do these operations but not explained how they were derived.

if anyone can explain please expain .
 
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  • #2
How they are said to work is given in the field axioms.

How do you know that the rules of a poker game, or the game of football "Works"?

They are stated as, essentially, arbitrary rules for how the game should be played.

Furthermore, you can create new games (and new maths) by laying down different basic rules defining the New game.
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Thus, the only real theoretical problem With the set of rules governing (i.e, the rules we have chose to govern) arithmetic is whether that rule set does not contain contradictions in their Application.
That would be similar that in a game of Soccer that you could come up in a situation where different rules of the game says that a goal is valid and an other Application of the same rules say the goal is invalid.

The issue whether arithmetics represent a consistent set of rules is a very subtle one, and not really understood prior to Gödel's work in the 1930s.
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The actual performance of, for example, multiplication, in the algorithm we learn in School is a condensation of multiple usages of the said axioms.
 

Related to Real mechanism behind addition, subtraction, multiplication, division

What is the real mechanism behind addition?

The real mechanism behind addition is the process of combining two or more quantities to find a total or sum. This is achieved by counting, grouping, or using mathematical algorithms such as place value and regrouping.

How does subtraction work?

Subtraction is the process of finding the difference between two quantities. It involves taking away a certain number from another number, or finding how much is left after subtracting a certain amount. This can be done by counting backwards, using a number line, or using the borrowing method.

What is the mechanism behind multiplication?

Multiplication is the process of repeated addition. It involves finding the total of equal groups of numbers. For example, 3 x 4 can be thought of as 3 groups of 4, resulting in a total of 12. This can also be done using skip counting or using arrays and area models.

How does division work?

Division is the process of sharing a quantity equally among a certain number of groups. It involves finding the number of groups or how many times a number can be divided by another number. This can be done by using arrays, repeated subtraction, or using the long division algorithm.

What is the relationship between addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division?

Addition and subtraction are inverse operations, meaning they undo each other. Multiplication and division are also inverse operations. Addition can be thought of as repeated subtraction, while multiplication can be thought of as repeated addition. Division can be thought of as the opposite of multiplication, just as subtraction is the opposite of addition.

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