\begin{tabular}{l} Add the following numbers. \\ \( \qquad \begin{array}{c}683.45 \\ +\end{array} \) \\ \hline\end{tabular}

Did you know that the concept of addition dates back to ancient civilizations? The Babylonians and Egyptians used early counting systems to perform addition and record transactions. Fast forward to today, and we use a decimal system, which simplifies the process and allows us to easily sum numbers, making financial transactions and calculations effortless. When adding decimals, it's important to align the numbers correctly by their decimal points. Missing this crucial step can lead to incorrect answers. A common mistake is to forget to add the zeros needed to fill in the decimal places, which can throw off the sum entirely. Always double-check your alignment to keep your calculations accurate!