Meanings
- dateduncountablemathematicsNumber theory; the branch of pure mathematics concerned primarily with integers and integer-valued functions.
The higher arithmetic, or the theory of numbers, is concerned with the properties of the natural numbers 1, 2, 3, . . . .
1999, [1952], H. Davenport, The Higher Arithmetic: An Introduction to Number Theory, 7th edition, Cambridge University Press, page 71 more example
2008, Harold M. Edwards, Higher Arithmetic: An Algorithmic Introduction to Number Theory, American Mathematical Society, https://books.google.com.au/books?id=JTER4y2vBMIC&printsec=frontcover&dq=%22higher+arithmetic%22&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj3lPH21PzuAhWVwzgGHXU0AZMQ6AEwBHoECFwQAg#v=onepage&q=%22higher%20arithmetic%22&f=false.
- obsoleteuncountableeducationA loosely defined range of topics in arithmetic, distinguished from elementary arithmetic by the more advanced nature of the methods and concepts.
With division higher arithmetic naturally begins, and for the more advanced pupil it will be proper here to insert a short course on that subject.
1976, Charles S. Peirce, The New Elements of Mathematics, Volume 1: Arithmetic, Mouton Publishers, page 951 more example
Arithmetic should overlap algebra, because the simpler parts of Algebra are easier than higher arithmetic; and some knowledge of algebra would conduce to a more intelligent appreciation of such topics as proportion, evolution, application of percentage, etc.
1895, Report, Mississippi State Department of Education, page 10
Cite this entry
higher arithmetic. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/higher%20arithmetic
“higher arithmetic.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/higher%20arithmetic. Accessed November 3, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “higher arithmetic,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/higher%20arithmetic.
Source: higher arithmetic on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.