additivity Definition
the property of a mathematical operation or function where the result of combining two or more values is the same regardless of the order in which they are combined.
Using additivity: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "additivity" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The additivity of multiplication means that the product of two numbers is the same regardless of the order in which they are multiplied.
Example
The additivity of probabilities means that the probability of two independent events occurring together is the sum of their individual probabilities.
Example
The additivity of energy means that the total energy of a system is the sum of the energies of its individual parts.
Summary: additivity in Brief
'Additivity' [ˌædɪˈtɪvəti] is a mathematical property where the result of combining two or more values is the same regardless of the order in which they are combined. This applies to operations like multiplication and probabilities, as well as to the total energy of a system. For example, the additivity of multiplication means that the product of two numbers is the same regardless of the order in which they are multiplied.
