Solve Decimal Addition: 55.8 + 26.62 Using Vertical Alignment

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

• Step 1: Align the decimal numbers by the decimal point.

• Step 2: Perform the addition starting from the rightmost digit to the left.

• Step 3: Confirm the sum after checking any carrying of digits.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Align the numbers vertically by the decimal point:
$\begin{array}{c} & 55.80 \\ + & 26.62 \\ \hline \end{array}$

Step 2: Add each column starting from the rightmost digit:
- Rightmost column: $0 + 2 = 2$
- Next column: $8 + 6 = 14$; write down $4$, carry over $1$
- Next column: $5 + 6 + 1 \, (\text{carry}) = 12$; write down $2$, carry over $1$
- Leftmost column: $5 + 2 + 1 \, (\text{carry}) = 8$

Thus, the sum is:
$\begin{array}{c} & 55.80 \\ + & 26.62 \\ \hline & 82.42 \\ \end{array}$

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $82.42$.