Addition is the process of computing the total of two or more numbers. In other words, addition is the method of combining two or more items (or things) together. As we know, addition is one of the four fundamental arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It is a very basic concept that is taught to kids in early classes. Let’s understand the meaning of addition, the symbol for addition, how to perform addition in different methods, and more on this page.
Addition – Meaning, Symbol, and Parts of Addition
Addition is a mathematical operation used to calculate the total of two or more given numbers. The addition of two or more numbers is called the amount, total, or sum of those numbers. We generally apply addition in our day-to-day transactions.
Let’s understand the meaning of addition with the help of an example.
Suppose Riya has 3 candies and Veda has 5 candies. The total number of candies with Riya and Veda together will be the sum of candies, i.e.,, 3 + 5 = 8.
Here, 3 and 5 are addends, + is the operation symbol for addition, = is the equality symbol and 8 is the sum or total of 3 and 5.
Addition Table
The below figure depicts the addition table for numbers from 1 to 10. Using this table, we can easily identify the sum obtained by adding any two numbers from 1 to 10.
| + | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
Suppose, to identify the total of 7 and 8, choose the intersection of the row and column that shows 7 and 8 respectively. In the above table, it is clearly visible that the addition of 7 and 8 gives 15.
How to Add Numbers?
Counting Fingers
Let’s add numbers 3 and 4 using fingers as shown below:
Count the fingers to get the sum of 3 and 4.
Therefore, the addition of 3 and 4 gives us 7.
| 3 + 4 = 7 |
Addition on Number Line
The addition of numbers on a number line will help students to understand the method of adding numbers visually and the position of numbers on a number line easily. Let’s understand the addition of numbers on a number line using a simple example here.
Add 5 and 3
However, this method of adding numbers is suggestable for small numbers. We can also add negative numbers, subtract & multiply numbers using the number line.
Vertical Addition
This method is used to add two, three, or more digit numbers. Using this method of addition we can find the sum of large numbers. Vertical addition is also known as addition by regrouping or long addition.
Let’s learn how to add numbers by grouping the numbers as per their place value with the help of an example here.
Add 37 and 84
Step 1: Write the given numbers one by one vertically as shown below and add the digits at the units place.
Here, 7 + 4 = 11
Write 1 in the units place
Carry 1 to the tens place
Step 2: Now, add the digits at the tens place
Thus, 1 + 3 + 8 = 12
Write 2 in the tens place
Carry 1 to the hundreds place
Step 3: Now, bring the carried digit to the hundreds place
Therefore, 37 + 84 = 121
Solved Examples of Addition
Example 1: Bag A contains 257 balls and bag B contains 183 balls. Find the total number of balls in bags A and B.
Solution:
Number of balls in bag A = 257
Number of balls in bag B = 183
Total number of balls = 257 + 183
Let’s add these numbers using vertical addition.
Therefore, the total number of balls in bags A and B together = 440
Example 2: Arya distributed 25 sweets to Amar, 15 sweets to Beena, and 22 sweets to Caleb. What is the total number of sweets he distributed?
Solution:
Number of sweets given to Amar = 25
Number of sweets given to Beena = 15
Number of sweets given to Caleb = 22
Total number of sweets with Arya = 25 + 15 + 22
Example 3: Add 7, 4, and 3 on the number line.
Solution:
Let’s add the numbers 7, 4, and 3 on the number line as shown below:
Practice Problems
- What is the total by adding 12, 8 and 16?
- Jessi has 9 pens, Kavya has 6 pens and Monu has 10 pens. Find the total number of pens with them.
- Add the numbers: 54, 98 and 120
Frequently Asked Questions on Addition
What is an addition in math?
In math, addition is the process of combining two or more numbers. The numbers being added are called addends and the result of this addition is called total or sum of the numbers or addends.
What is the symbol for addition?
The symbol used for addition is “+”. This is also known as the addition operator.
Why do we use addition?
Addition is used to combine numbers, things, or items. Using addition we can find the total of given quantities.