title: +$ in jquery. How come not only the basic $
body: <p>I have some jQuery code where <code>+$(...)</code> is used in many places. The code does not work without the <code>+</code> part, when doing just <code>$(...)</code>. </p>
  
  <p>I couldn't find any explanation through Google. I'd appreciate any guidance if possible.</p>
  
  <pre><code>function calculate() {
    var a = +$('#a').val(); // what is +$ ?
    var b = +$('#b').val();
    var c = b * 108.40;
    //etc
  }
  </code></pre>