Python: Add two positive integers without using the '+' operator

Last update on April 17 2025 13:06:01 (UTC/GMT +8 hours)

Add Without Plus

Write a Python program to add two positive integers without using the '+' operator.

Note: Use bitwise operations to add two numbers.

Sample Solution:

Python Code:

# Define a function 'add_without_plus_operator' that performs addition without using the '+' operator.
def add_without_plus_operator(a, b):
    # Continue the loop until the carry (b) becomes zero.
    while b != 0:
        # Calculate the bitwise AND of 'a' and 'b'.
        data = a & b
        # XOR 'a' and 'b' to get the sum without considering carry.
        a = a ^ b
        # Left shift the carry by 1 position.
        b = data << 1
    # Return the final sum.
    return a

# Test the function with different inputs and print the results.
print(add_without_plus_operator(2, 10))
print(add_without_plus_operator(-20, 10))
print(add_without_plus_operator(-10, -20))

Sample Output:

12
-10
-30

Explanation:

The above Python code defines a function called "add_without_plus_operator()" that performs addition without using the '+' operator. It utilizes bitwise operations (AND, XOR, and left shift) to simulate addition. Here's a brief explanation:

The function takes two integers 'a' and 'b' as input.
It enters a loop that continues until the carry ('b') becomes zero.
Within the loop:

It calculates the bitwise AND of 'a' and 'b' and stores the result in 'data'.
It XORs 'a' and 'b' to get the sum without considering the carry.
It left-shifts the carry ('data') by 1 position.

After the loop, the function returns the final sum ('a').
The code then tests the function with different inputs and prints the results.

Visual Presentation:

Python Exercises: Add two positive integers without using the '+' operator.

Flowchart:

For more Practice: Solve these Related Problems:

Write a Python program to multiply two positive integers without using the '*' operator.
Write a Python program to subtract two positive integers without using the '-' operator.
Write a Python program to perform integer division of two numbers without using the '/' operator.
Write a Python program to multiply two numbers using only bitwise operations and addition.

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