[Newbie]Question

[Screamin4Q]

How do I permanently append a path for my PATH environment variable?
I have tried PATH=$PATH:/home/ra.....
I have tried PATH=<exsisting path>+:/home/ra......
they both work...temporarily.
I want the PATH variable to STAY when I change it.
Every time I reboot, it reverts back to the original PATH.
Do I have to go into the file where it is located?
Do I need a different syntax?
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