How to Add Two Numbers in Python

Adding two numbers is one of the most fundamental operations in programming, and Python makes it incredibly simple. Whether you’re working with integers, floating-point numbers, or even input from users, this guide will show you everything you need to know about addition in Python.

At The Coding College, our goal is to help you learn Python step by step with easy-to-follow examples.

Why Learn Addition in Python?

Addition is an essential operation in programming, forming the foundation for more advanced concepts like data analysis, mathematics, and automation. Understanding how Python handles addition will set you up for success in your coding journey.

Adding Two Numbers: The Basics

In Python, you can add two numbers using the + operator.

# Example: Adding two numbers  
num1 = 5  
num2 = 3  

# Add the numbers  
result = num1 + num2  

print("The sum is:", result)  # Output: The sum is: 8

Key Points:

  • num1 and num2 can be integers or floating-point numbers.
  • The + operator works for both types seamlessly.

Adding Two Numbers From User Input

To make your program interactive, you can take input from users and add the numbers.

# Taking input from the user  
num1 = float(input("Enter the first number: "))  
num2 = float(input("Enter the second number: "))  

# Adding the numbers  
result = num1 + num2  

print("The sum is:", result)

Explanation:

  • input() Function: Accepts input as a string.
  • float() Conversion: Converts the input to a number (handles both integers and decimals).

Example Interaction:

Enter the first number: 4.5  
Enter the second number: 5.5  
The sum is: 10.0

Adding Numbers in a Function

You can encapsulate the addition logic in a reusable function.

def add_numbers(a, b):  
    return a + b  

# Using the function  
result = add_numbers(7, 8)  
print("The sum is:", result)  # Output: The sum is: 15

Benefits of Using Functions:

  • Promotes code reuse.
  • Makes your program modular and easier to debug.

Adding Numbers in a Loop

To add multiple numbers, you can use a loop to iterate through a list or range of numbers.

numbers = [10, 20, 30, 40]  
total = 0  

for num in numbers:  
    total += num  

print("The total sum is:", total)  # Output: The total sum is: 100

Real-World Example: Adding Numbers in a Calculator

Here’s how you might implement a simple calculator for addition:

def calculator():  
    print("Simple Calculator - Add Two Numbers")  
    num1 = float(input("Enter the first number: "))  
    num2 = float(input("Enter the second number: "))  

    result = num1 + num2  
    print("The sum is:", result)  

# Run the calculator  
calculator()

Summary

Adding two numbers in Python is a straightforward task, but the concept can be extended to solve more complex problems. From basic operations to interactive programs, Python provides versatile tools for handling numbers efficiently.

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