How can PHP beginners ensure input validation for mathematical operations like addition and subtraction?

To ensure input validation for mathematical operations like addition and subtraction in PHP, beginners can use functions like is_numeric() to check if the input is a valid number before performing the operation. This helps prevent errors and unexpected results when processing user input for calculations.

// Validate input for addition operation
$num1 = $_POST['num1'];
$num2 = $_POST['num2'];

if (is_numeric($num1) && is_numeric($num2)) {
    $result = $num1 + $num2;
    echo "Result of addition: " . $result;
} else {
    echo "Invalid input. Please enter valid numbers.";
}