Find the value of 0.0100 + 0.0064 (express your answer in decimal form).

Introduction / Context:
This problem tests basic decimal addition, a foundational skill in quantitative aptitude. Being able to add small decimal numbers accurately is essential in topics such as simple interest, discounts, and data interpretation, where values often appear in decimal form.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We must compute 0.0100 + 0.0064.
• Both numbers are written to four decimal places, so proper alignment of decimal points is important.
• The answer should be presented as a decimal number.

Concept / Approach:
For decimal addition, we align the numbers by the decimal point, add digit by digit from right to left, and carry over when needed. Writing trailing zeros does not change a number, but it helps keep place values clear. Here, each number has four decimal places, which makes the addition straightforward.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Write the numbers one below the other: 0.0100 and 0.0064. Step 2: Add the digits in the ten thousandths place: 0 + 4 = 4. Step 3: Add the digits in the thousandths place: 0 + 6 = 6. Step 4: Add the digits in the hundredths place: 1 + 0 = 1. Step 5: Add the digits in the tenths place: 0 + 0 = 0. Step 6: Combine these to get 0.0164 as the final sum.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can quickly check reasonableness by observing that both numbers are close to 0.01. Their sum should be slightly more than 0.015. The computed result is 0.0164, which is indeed a little larger than 0.015, so the answer fits our expectation and confirms that the addition is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option 0.164 is ten times larger than the correct answer and comes from shifting the decimal point one place too far to the right. Option 0.00164 is ten times smaller than the correct value and results from shifting the decimal in the opposite direction. Options 0.024 and 0.026 are arbitrary values that do not match the precise sum obtained through correct decimal addition.

Common Pitfalls:
A very common mistake is to ignore place values and just add the digits without aligning the decimal points. Another issue is dropping or misplacing zeros, which changes the value entirely. Always ensure that tenths align with tenths, hundredths with hundredths, and so on before performing the addition.

Final Answer:
Thus, the correct value of 0.0100 + 0.0064 is 0.0164.