Numbers and plus signs

I have this question. I have this problem understanding what this means.

for an example.

Soul Reaping: 8+1
Fire magic: 9+3

And so on.

It means someone has added a rune to that particular attribute.
Minor is +1
Major is +2
Superior is +3
The most you can get a attribute to without adding anything to it is 12. Runes can get it to 15. A headpiece with a +1 can get it to 16. There are other ways to get it higher on a temp basis.
So you add attribute points to get to level 8 then add a minor rune to give you a +1.

The + numbers refer to bonuses to the attribute from either runes on your armor or the +1 inherent on the headpiece of your armor.
examples:
+3 always means a Superior rune
+2 always means a Major rune(never seen anyone use to combine Minor and Headpiece)
+1 means EITHER Minor rune OR +1 from Headpiece.
+1 +1 means +1 from Headpiece and +1 from Minor rune.
+1 +2 means +1 from Headpiece and +2 from Major rune
+1 +3 means +1 from Headpiece and +3 from Superior Rune

+1(20%) chance items will not appear here.

These are the attribute points spent on each attribute.

ie. the Soul Reaping means that there are currently 8 base attribute points plus a minor rune of +1 soul reaping is added

same for the fire magic 9 base attribute points and a perfect rune of +3 fire magic added.

Hope this helps

Keep in mind you can only add Attribute runes to your armor for your primary class only!

Though I would love to have my Mesmer with a plus 3 Fire magic rune LOL

Woohoo! Now that would be cool