1.0 Introduction
![This is an image of a building undergoing construction.](https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/app/uploads/sites/2588/2019/07/CNX_ElemAlg_Figure_01_00_001_img_new.jpg)
In order to be structurally sound, the foundation of a building must be carefully constructed. Just like a building needs a firm foundation to support it, your study of algebra needs to have a firm foundation. To ensure this, we begin this book with a review of arithmetic operations with whole numbers, integers, fractions, and decimals, so that you have a solid base that will support your study of algebra.