In mathematics, arithmetic is the foundational branch that deals with the basic operations of numbers such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Understanding arithmetic is crucial as it forms the building blocks for more advanced math concepts. Let's dive into these fundamental operations.

Addition (+): Addition is combining two or more numbers to find their total. For example, adding 3 and 5 gives us a sum of 8. You can think of addition as bringing things together.

Subtraction (-): Subtraction is the opposite of addition. It involves taking away a number from another number. For instance, if we subtract 4 from 9, we get 5. Imagine subtraction as removing something from a given quantity.