Answer:
1. To obtain the sum of the given numbers, 508 and 471, we need to add them together. Starting from the rightmost digit, we add 8 and 1, which gives us 9. Moving to the next column, we add 0, 7, and 0, resulting in 7. Finally, in the leftmost column, we add 5 and 4, giving us 9. Therefore, the sum of 508 and 471 is 979.
2. To verify the correctness of our answer, we can use the checking method. This method involves adding the individual digits of the original numbers and comparing them to the sum of the digits in the answer. For the first number, 508, we add 5, 0, and 8, which equals 13. Similarly, for the second number, 471, we add 4, 7, and 1, resulting in 12. Now, we add the digits of the answer, 9, 7, and 9, which gives us 25. Since 13 is equal to 25, our answer is correct according to the checking method.