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| − | '''Addition''' is the name given to the [[mathematics|mathematical]] function which involves the combination of two values, resulting in a directly related linear increase.The sum a + b can be interpreted as a binary operation that combines a and b, in an algebraic sense, or it can be interpreted as the addition of c more units to b. Under the latter interpretation, the parts of a sum c + a play symmetric roles, and the operation a + c is viewed as applying the unary operation +b to a. Instead of calling both a and b addends, it is more appropriate to call a the augend in this case, since a plays a passive role. The unary view is also useful when discussing subtraction, because each unary addition operation has an inverse unary subtraction operation. and vice versa. | + | '''Addition''' is the mathematical operation that combines two or more numbers to produce their [[sum]]. |
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| − | [[category:mathematics]] | + | For simple addition of [[whole number]]s, it is easy to add by counting steps. If we consider 6 + 4, then we can start at 6, then add 1 four times: 7, 8, 9, 10. Thus, 6 + 4 is 10. |
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| | + | For more complex addition, [[long addition]] can be carried out. |
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| | + | Addition is [[commutative]], thus a + b = b + a. |
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| | + | ==Formal definition== |
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| | + | It is helpful to see addition in terms of [[function]]s - addition adds one number (a) to another number (b) to make their sum (c). |
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| | + | Thus, |
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| | + | a + b = c. |
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| | + | Its reverse function, or [[inverse operation]], is [[subtraction]], which moves the other way: |
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| | + | c - b = a. |
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| | + | It is possible to add a negative number, but this is the same as subtracting that number: |
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| | + | a + (-b) = a - b. |
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| | + | [[Category:Arithmetic]] |