Basic concepts of elementary mathematics

This text is designed to meet the needs of three audiences pre-servsice teachers,in-service teachers, and liberal arts students who desire an appreciation and understanding of the basic structure of mathematics. Assuming no prerequisite whatever, the language and style should be intelligible to the non-science student; yet it is mathematically sound throughout. The book covers all the topics recommended by the Committee on the Undergraduate Program in Mathematics (CUPM) for the first two courses for prospective elementary school teachers, plus two chapters on geometry and one on probability.This book grew out of the philosophy that there is good and practical reason for teaching mathematics by the so-called modern approach. Accompanying every concept that is introduced are examples and exercises that illustrate how that concept can be used to simplify arithmetic and make it more understandable. Concrete reasons are given for every abstract concept that is introduced.