Mathematics for Carpenters and Builders - Carpenter's and Builder's Math, Plans, and Specifications - page 111

Chapter 5
Mathematics for Carpenters
and Builders

An elementary knowledge of mathematics is essential to the car-
penter to solve successfully the numerous problems encountered in
almost any branch of carpentry. The branches of mathematics of
which the carpenter should possess at least an elementary knowl-
edge are the following:
Arithmetic
Geometry
Trigonometry
Such knowledge will be found very useful, especially in making
up estimates, solving steel square problems, and so forth.

Arithmetic
By definition arithmetic is the science of numbers and the art of
reaching results by their use (see Figure 5-1).
Arithmetic Alphabet
In arithmetic figures are used to represent quantities or magnitudes,
as follows:

Cipher one two three four five six seven eight nine

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

A number is one or a collection of these figures to represent a
definite quantity or magnitude as 1, 21, 517, 43,988, and so forth.
There are various kinds of numbers: simple, compound, integer,
abstract, concrete, odd, even, prime, composite, and so forth.
Notation and Numeration
By definition, notation in arithmetic is the writing down of figures
to express a number, and numeration is the reading of the number
or collection of figures already written. By means of the ten figures
given above any number can be expressed.
Figures have two values: simple and local. The simple value of a
figure is its value when standing in units' place. The local value of a
figure is the value that arises from its location.

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