The principle of superposition or superposition theorem is a mathematical tool that allows a linear or other type of problem to be decomposed into two or more simpler subproblems, in such a way that the original problem is obtained as a "superposition" or "sum" of these simpler subproblems.[1]​[2]​[3]​.

Technically, the principle of superposition states that when the behavioral equations that govern a physical problem are linear, then the result of a measurement or the solution of a practical problem related to an extensive magnitude associated with the phenomenon, when the sets of causative factors A and B are present, can be obtained as the sum of the effects of A plus the effects of B.

In mathematics, a linear function is one that satisfies the following properties:

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Any physical system, scientific model or mathematical problem characterized by linear functions that satisfy the previous conditions is susceptible to being partially treated using the principle of superposition.

Superposition theorem in electronics

In the superposition theorem in circuit theory, it is established that the voltage between two nodes of a circuit or the current that passes through a branch is equal to the sum of the voltages or currents produced by each of the voltage generators and the current generators of the circuit. In each of the partial calculations, only one of the generators is preserved and the other voltage generators are replaced by short circuits and the other current generators by open circuits.

Force fields in Newtonian mechanics

In Newtonian mechanics the Laplacian of the gravitational field is proportional to the mass density; This makes the distribution equal and at identical distances the field is proportional to the mass density (however, in general relativity theory, the gravitational field is described in terms of non-linear differential equations).