Problem 487 - Prealgebra

Question

Add. $$\text { ( a ) }7+6 \text { ( b ) } 6+7$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Both (a) and (b) equal 13.

Step 1: Identify the Numbers

Look at the numbers given in the problem. For part (a), the numbers are 7 and 6. For part (b), the numbers are 6 and 7.

Step 2: Perform the Addition for Part (a)

Add the numbers in part (a). The operation is 7 + 6. Therefore, calculate: \[ 7 + 6 = 13 \]

Step 3: Perform the Addition for Part (b)

Add the numbers in part (b). The operation is 6 + 7. Therefore, calculate: \[ 6 + 7 = 13 \]

Key Concepts

Basic Arithmetic

Basic arithmetic is the foundation of all math skills. It involves simple calculations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Here, we focus on addition.

Addition is combining two or more numbers to get a total sum. For example, in exercise (a), we add 7 and 6 to get 13. Similarly, in (b), adding 6 and 7 also results in 13.

This basic knowledge is essential for more advanced math. Practicing these simple operations will help strengthen your math abilities.

Commutative Property of Addition

The commutative property of addition is an interesting and useful concept. It states that the order in which you add numbers does not change the sum. Whether you add 7 + 6 or 6 + 7, the result is the same, which is 13.

This property is helpful because it allows flexibility in calculations. You can add numbers in any order and still get the correct result.

Understanding the commutative property can make mental math easier. It can also simplify solving more complex problems.

Step-by-Step Solutions

Step-by-step solutions break down the problem into manageable parts. This method makes it easier to understand the process and find the solution.

Let's review the steps used in the given problem:

• Step 1: Identify the Numbers
  Check the numbers you need to add. For part (a), they are 7 and 6. For part (b), they are 6 and 7.
  
• Step 2: Perform the Addition for Part (a)
  Add the numbers from part (a): 7 + 6. That gives us 13.
  
• Step 3: Perform the Addition for Part (b)
  Add the numbers from part (b): 6 + 7. Again, the result is 13.
  

Following these steps helps ensure you get the correct answer and understand the process. It's a useful technique for problem-solving in all areas of math.