On fundamental theorems of algebraic \(K\)-theory (Q2367230)

\textit{D. R. Grayson} [Ill. J. Math. 31, 598-617 (1987; Zbl 0629.18010)] and \textit{R. E. Staffeldt} [K-Theory 2, No. 4, 511-532 (1989; Zbl 0665.18010)] have given simplified proofs of some of the foundational theorems of algebraic \(K\)-theory [\textit{D. G. Quillen}, Lect. Notes Math. 341, 85-147 (1973; Zbl 0292.18004)]. Especially in Staffeldt's treatment these theorems are shown to be consequences, via standard homotopy theoretical methods, of the so-called `additivity theorem' which therefore assumes the role of a basic result in algebraic \(K\)-theory. There are two formulations of the additivity theorem, one in terms of original \(Q\)-construction of Quillen and another in terms of the somewhat more general \(S\)-construction of Waldhausen. Up till now the only available proof of the additivity theorem in the latter context [\textit{F. Waldhausen}, Lect. Notes Math. 1126, 318-419 (1985; Zbl 0579.18006)] has been rather complicated. On the other hand, work of the author not directly related to \(K\)-theory (i.e. Hochschild homology and cyclic homology [cf. Cyclic homology of an exact category, Thesis at Cornell University (1990); see also J. Pure Appl. Algebra 93, No. 3, 251-296 (1994; Zbl 0807.19002)]) involved a result formally similar to, and in fact motivated by, the additivity theorem. In retrospect it turns out that the proof of that result, when suitably modified, will give a new, and simpler, proof of the additivity theorem (in the general form). The purpose of the present paper is to give a short and self-contained account of that proof.