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'''Addition''' is the name given to the [[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 [[addend]]s, 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 operations|inverse]] unary subtraction operation and vice versa.
'''Addition''' is the mathematical operation that combines two or more numbers to produce their [[sum]].
[[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.
For more complex addition, [[long addition]] can be carried out.
Addition is [[commutative]], thus a + b = b + a.
==Formal definition==
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).
Thus,
a + b = c.
Its reverse function, or [[inverse operation]], is [[subtraction]], which moves the other way:
c - b = a.
It is possible to add a negative number, but this is the same as subtracting that number:
a + (-b) = a - b.
[[Category:Arithmetic]]