Add or subtract as indicated. 3.87 + 15 + 2.9

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the numbers to be added: 3.87, 15, and 2.9.
2. Align the numbers vertically by their decimal points to ensure accurate addition.
3. Add the numbers starting from the rightmost digit (the hundredths place) and move to the left, carrying over if necessary.
4. Combine the results from each column to find the total sum.
5. Verify the addition by checking each step to ensure no errors were made.

Key Concepts

Addition of Decimals

Addition of decimals involves aligning the numbers by their decimal points and adding each column starting from the right. It is essential to ensure that each number has the same number of decimal places, which may require adding zeros. This process helps maintain accuracy in the sum.

Order of Operations

The order of operations is a set of rules that dictates the sequence in which calculations should be performed to ensure consistent results. In this case, since only addition is involved, the operations can be performed from left to right without concern for parentheses or other operations.

Combining Like Terms

Combining like terms refers to the process of adding or subtracting numbers that have the same value or type. In the context of this question, it means summing the decimal values together to find a single total, which simplifies the expression and provides a clear answer.