Carry (arithmetic)

In <a href="/facts/Elementary_arithmetic/aUn5tGtp">elementary arithmetic</a>, a carry is a <a href="/facts/Numerical_digit/JJdLBoGT">digit</a> that is transferred from one <a href="/facts/Column/NDtghP75">column</a> of digits to another column of more significant digits. It is part of the standard <a href="/facts/Algorithm/fnl5NmRt">algorithm</a> to <a href="/facts/Addition/apFWJBFB">add</a> numbers together by starting with the rightmost digits and working to the left. For example, when 6 and 7 are added to make 13, the "3" is written to the same column and the "1" is carried to the left. When used in subtraction the operation is called a borrow.
Carrying is emphasized in <a href="/facts/Traditional_mathematics/ak01PhpL">traditional mathematics</a>, while curricula based on <a href="/facts/Reform_mathematics/8pyVJ0sf">reform mathematics</a> do not emphasize any specific method to find a correct answer.
Carrying makes a few appearances in higher mathematics as well. In computing, carrying is an important function of <a href="/facts/Adder_(electronics)/Bc81gxBD">adder</a> circuits.

Carry (arithmetic) open-in-new

Carry (arithmetic)