The book also discusses fractions, word problems, and the order of operations. Here, McNamara explains the difference between New Math and the pre-algebra and algebra I know. The main difference is in the order of operations. I was taught to work from left to right, doing whatever the mathematics signs told me to do. If there were expressions in brackets, I should do those first. The New Math, according to McNamara, says that if no brackets exist, do all of the multiplication and division first, then the addition and subtraction. He explains that this change was made in order to bring mathematics education in line with the calculations used in science.

      There are no sets of problems or questions in this brief manual. McNamara provides examples and leads the reader through each of the steps involved with each operation. Practice exercises would help reinforce each chapter's lessons. McNamara doesn't consider this book a text, but only a source book of basic math information. He suggests that if practice is needed, it should be provided by a teacher or tutor.

      Though McNamara says that this book is geared toward children 5 and up, it really is aimed at the older student or adult who wants to brush up on pre-algebra or learn it for the first time. It is indeed a mathematics manual and not a text because it distills many of these mathematics concepts into ordinary language but does not go into any depth. As an accompaniment to a tutor, I think this book has its place and offers something other than a straight math text for students.