PREFACE THE primary object of arithmetic is to enable the student to acquire skill in computation. In addition to the attainment of this essential end, great benefit is derived from the exercise of the reasoning powers and their consequent development. While the first of these must ever remain the fundamental reason for the study of arithmetic, and the second will always be held in high esteem, there is a third major object which the teaching of arithmetic may accomplish, one which is usually almost entirely ignored in the preparation of an arithmetic; namely, the incidental teaching of valuable facts by basing the problems of the book upon the problems of real life. In the preparation of this book, it has been the aim of the authors to secure the maximum results in these three functions of arithmetic teaching. It is chiefly in the careful consideration which has been given to the subject-matter of the problems, and to the inferences that will unconsciously and unavoidably remain in the mind of the pupil, that this book differs from other arithmetics. Skill in computation comes from learning a few methods, followed by extensive drill or practice. Methods have been carefully and clearly presented in this book, and an abundance of drill problems provided. The development of the reasoning powers comes from work with problems requiring careful analysis before proceeding to the more mechanical solution. A large number 219155 |