Basic Arithmetic

An operator that adds two numbers together.

Part of: JavaScript Coding without HTML and CSS — Module 5, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8 — Programming with Control Structures and Functions (JavaScript) — Module 16

Understanding Basic Arithmetic in JavaScript

What it does: The - operator performs subtraction. The / operator performs division. + performs addition between two numbers. * multiplies two numbers together. JavaScript uses *, not x, for multiplication. / divides one number by another. = is for assignment, not subtraction - use - instead. You can combine operators in one expression, like 5 + 3 * 2.

Common mistakes: Use *, not =, to multiply two numbers - = is for assignment. Multiplication uses *, not x, in JavaScript.

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Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 1–10) and word search (Modules 1–29).

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Learning

Duo

Does + add two numbers together in JavaScript?

YesNo

Matches

console.log(5 x 3);

↓

Wrong - multiplication uses *, not x

Applying

Meanings

Term

Meaning

An operator that adds two numbers together.

Practice

console.log(5 + 3);

Testing

Gaps

console.log(5 3);

Check Answer

Spots

1console.log(5 = 3);

2console.log(5 + 3);

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Quick Questions

1. Does + add two numbers together in JavaScript?

A. No

B. Yes ✓

+ performs addition between two numbers.

2. Is * used for multiplication in JavaScript?

A. Yes ✓

B. No

* multiplies two numbers together.

3. Is x used for multiplication in JavaScript?

A. Yes

B. No ✓

JavaScript uses *, not x, for multiplication.

4. Does / perform division in JavaScript?

A. Yes ✓

B. No

/ divides one number by another.

5. Is = used to subtract two numbers?

A. No ✓

B. Yes

= is for assignment, not subtraction - use - instead.

Match the Pairs

5 + 3 → Adds 5 and 3 together

5 * 3 → Multiplies 5 and 3 together

Subtracts one number from another → 5 - 3

Divides one number by another → 5 / 3

console.log(5 x 3); → Wrong - multiplication uses *, not x

console.log(5 = 3); → Wrong - = is for assignment, not arithmetic

Key Term

+

An operator that adds two numbers together.

Fill in the Blanks

1. console.log(5 + 3);

Hint: Type the operator that adds two numbers.

2. console.log(5 - 3);

Hint: Type the operator that subtracts one number from another.

3. console.log(5 * 3);

Hint: Type the operator that multiplies two numbers.

4. console.log(5 / 3);

Hint: Type the operator that divides one number by another.

5. let total = 10 + 5;

Hint: Type the operator that adds two numbers.

Spot the Error

Question 1

A console.log(5 = 3);

B console.log(5 + 3);

C console.log(5 * 3);

Line A — Use *, not =, to multiply two numbers - = is for assignment.

Question 2

A console.log(5 - 3);

B console.log(5 x 3);

C console.log(5 / 3);

Line B — Multiplication uses *, not x, in JavaScript.

Question 3

A console.log(10 + 5);

B console.log(10 - 5);

C console.log(10 ÷ 5);

Line C — JavaScript division uses /, not the ÷ symbol.

Question 4

A let a = 2 + 3;

B let c = 2 * 3;

C let e = 2 / 1;

D let b = 2 -- 3;

Line D — Subtraction uses a single -, not --, for basic arithmetic.

Question 5

A let w = 8 + 2;

B let x = 8 / 2;

C let z = 8 - 2;

D let v = 8 * 2;

E let y = 8 // 2;

Line E — Division uses a single /, not //, in JavaScript.

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