INTRODUCTION

THE attention of teachers is directed to the following considerations that have guided the authors in the preparation of this series of arithmetics:

1. Thoroughness in the Fundamentals.

The first aim has been to secure thoroughness and facility in the use of the four fundamental processes, common fractions, and decimals.

2. Choice of Applications.

Applications, a knowledge of which is a daily necessity to the mass of men and women in active life, have received greatest attention.

Applications that are of use only to people in special fields of activity, or in particular communities, have been treated in a separate group, where they may be drawn upon as needed.

Those applications that have become unnecessary by reason of changed social needs, and those that have never served any purpose, other than that of filling the pages of a textbook, have been omitted altogether.

3. Simplification of Processes.

The number of technical terms, definitions, cases, and special processes has been reduced to the minimum. Thoroughness in a few simple, direct, general processes has been made possible by this treatment.

4. Problems from Real Life.

The problem material is drawn from the life in which children and their parents are living to-day. It is within their knowledge or experience, and presents real, rather than imaginary situations.

5. Continuity of Plan.

There is a continuity of purpose running through the entire series. The attention of pupils should be called again and again to the recurrence of a familiar fact or principle in a new application.