Math Basics: Understanding Addition

Addition

Definition

• Addition is a fundamental operation in arithmetic that combines two or more numbers to get a total or a sum.
• It is denoted by the plus sign (+).

Properties

• Commutative Property: The order of the numbers being added does not change the result.
  • Example: 2 + 3 = 3 + 2 = 5
• Associative Property: The order in which numbers are added does not change the result.
  • Example: (2 + 3) + 4 = 2 + (3 + 4) = 9
• Distributive Property: Addition distributes over subtraction.
  • Example: 2 + (3 - 4) = 2 + 3 - 4 = 1

Rules

• Addition of Whole Numbers:
  • To add whole numbers, simply combine the numbers.
  • Example: 5 + 2 = 7
• Addition of Decimals:
  • To add decimals, align the decimal points and add the numbers.
  • Example: 3.5 + 2.8 = 6.3
• Addition of Fractions:
  • To add fractions, find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators and convert both fractions to have the LCM as the denominator.
  • Example: 1/4 + 1/6 = 3/12 + 2/12 = 5/12

Real-World Applications

• Counting: Addition is used to count the total number of objects in a collection.
• Measurement: Addition is used to calculate the total length, area, or volume of objects.
• Finance: Addition is used to calculate the total cost of items, change, and tips.