According to the labor formula, how is total labor (L) expressed?

Total labor (L) is expressed as the sum of employed individuals (E) and unemployed individuals (U). This formulation captures the entire labor force within an economy, which is critical for understanding employment levels and overall economic health. Employed individuals contribute to the economy by participating in labor, while unemployed individuals, despite not currently having jobs, represent those available for work and actively seeking employment.

This relationship is foundational in macroeconomic theory, particularly in labor economics, as it allows economists to analyze labor market dynamics, such as unemployment rates and employment statistics.

The other potential formulations do not accurately represent the definition of total labor. Subtraction, multiplication, or division of employed and unemployed individuals would yield misleading interpretations about the labor market structure. Thus, the correct answer effectively encompasses the full labor force by adding those who are presently employed and those who are seeking employment.