When it comes to the concept of addition, it refers to the mathematical operation that combines two or more numbers (or other mathematical objects) to produce a sum. The basic operation of addition is usually denoted by the plus sign (+).
Here's how addition works with whole numbers as an example:
Adding two positive numbers results in a larger positive number. For instance, 2 + 3 = 5.
Adding a positive number to a negative number, or a negative number to a positive number, involves subtracting the absolute values and keeping the sign of the number with the larger absolute value. For instance, 5 + (-3) = 2.
Adding two negative numbers results in a negative number. For instance, -2 + (-3) = -5.
Addition also follows the following properties:
1. Commutative property: The order of the numbers being added does not change the sum. For example, 3 + 4 = 4 + 3.
2. Associative property: The grouping of numbers being added does not change the sum. For example, (2 + 3) + 4 = 2 + (3 + 4).
3. Identity property: The addition of zero to any number does not change the number. For example, 0 + 5 = 5.
Addition is a fundamental operation in mathematics and is used in many other calculations and concepts, such as calculating areas, volumes, and in algebraic expressions.
