+

Definition

The plus sign (+) is a mathematical operator used to indicate addition, the process of combining two or more numbers or quantities to find their total. It represents the act of adding one value to another, resulting in a sum or total.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The plus sign (+) is one of the four basic mathematical operations, along with subtraction (-), multiplication (×), and division (÷).
2. Addition is a commutative operation, meaning that the order of the addends does not affect the sum (e.g., 3 + 4 = 4 + 3).
3. Adding zero to a number does not change the value of that number (e.g., 5 + 0 = 5).
4. The plus sign can be used to represent the combination of both positive and negative numbers (e.g., -3 + 5 = 2).
5. Addition is often used in everyday life to calculate totals, keep track of finances, and solve various problem-solving tasks.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of the plus sign (+) in the context of number basics.
  • The plus sign (+) is a fundamental mathematical operator used to indicate the process of addition. It represents the act of combining two or more numbers or quantities to find their total. Addition is a commutative operation, meaning the order of the addends does not affect the sum. The plus sign is essential in number basics, as it allows for the calculation of sums, the combination of positive and negative numbers, and the representation of various arithmetic operations.
• Describe how the plus sign (+) is used in the context of arithmetic operations.
  • In the context of arithmetic operations, the plus sign (+) is one of the four basic mathematical operations, along with subtraction (-), multiplication (×), and division (÷). Addition is the process of combining two or more numbers or quantities to find their total, known as the sum. The plus sign is used to represent this combining of values, and it is a commutative operation, meaning the order of the addends does not affect the final result. Additionally, the plus sign can be used to represent the combination of both positive and negative numbers, making it a versatile and essential component of arithmetic.
• Analyze the significance of the plus sign (+) in the context of number basics and its broader applications.
  • The plus sign (+) is a fundamental mathematical operator that holds significant importance in the context of number basics and beyond. As the symbol used to indicate addition, the plus sign represents the process of combining two or more numbers or quantities to find their total, known as the sum. This operation is commutative, meaning the order of the addends does not affect the final result. The plus sign is also used to represent the combination of both positive and negative numbers, making it a crucial component of arithmetic. Furthermore, the plus sign has broader applications in various areas of mathematics, science, and everyday life, where it is used to calculate totals, keep track of finances, and solve problem-solving tasks. Its versatility and essential role in number basics highlight the significance of the plus sign as a core mathematical concept.

Related terms

Arithmetic: The branch of mathematics concerned with the basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Addend: A number or quantity that is being added to another number or quantity.

Sum: The result obtained by adding two or more numbers or quantities together.