History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v1.c8.s2.10

v1.c8.s2.10

**Direct Process.** In the direct process of addition referred to above, the numbers to be added are written down, one below the other, just as at present, and a line is drawn at the bottom below which the sum is written. At first the sum of the numbers standing in the units place is written down, thus giving the first figure of the sum. The numbers in the tens place are then added together and their sum is added to the figure in the tens place of the partial sum standing below the line and the result substituted in its place. Thus the figure in the tens place of the sum is obtained; and so on. An alternative method used was to write the biggest addend at the top, and to write the digits of the sum by rubbing out corresponding digits of this addend.²