The numbers which are added are called summands. For example, 4 (a summand) + 3 (another summand) = 7 (sum).
Addition of fractionsFractions can be added directly only if they have equal denominators, e.g., 3/17 + 4/17 = 7/17.
If fractions with unequal denominators are to be added they must first be brought to their least common denominator.
Addition of literal numbersIdentically-named numbers can be added (and subtracted) by adding the coefficients:
2a + 3b + a + 4b = 3a + 7bsummands may be interchanged (commutative law):
a + b = b + aWith more than two summands, brackets may be inserted (associative law):
a + b + c = (a + b) + c = a + (b + c)
Addition of directed numbersNo further rule is needed for the addition of positive numbers:
a + (+b) = a + b, 5 + (+3) = 5 + 3 = 8.to add one negative number to another, its absolute value is subtracted:
a + (-b) = a - b, (-a) + (-b) = -(a + b);
Addition of powers and surdsPowers and surds must be treated like literal numbers for the purposes of addition, e.g.,
a2 + 4b3 + 4c3 +4a2 = 5a2 + 4(b3 + c3;
Addition of complex numbersIn adding complex numbers the real and imaginary parts must be added separately, e.g.,
(5 + 3i) + (17 - i) = 22 + 2i.
Addition in terms of setsThe addition of positive numbers can best be defined in terms of set theory; if one considers set A to contain 4 elements, set B to contain 5 elements, then A U B (see union) contains 9 elements; i.e., 4 + 5 = 9. The addition of negative numbers is equivalent to subtraction in that a + (-b) is equivalent to a - b.
Related categories• ALGEBRA
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