noun
arithmetic; elementary school math
Refers specifically to the arithmetic taught in Japanese elementary schools, covering basic operations and simple problem-solving. Not used for higher-level mathematics.
小学生のとき、算数が一番好きだった。
When I was in elementary school, I liked arithmetic the most.
この問題は算
You can solve this problem with just elementary school math knowledge.
noun
A broader, somewhat colloquial use for simple calculation or counting, often in everyday contexts like figuring out a total or checking numbers.
簡単な算数だから、暗算でできるよ。
It's just simple calculation, so I can do it in my head.