Additive Inverse
The additive inverse, also known as the opposite or the negation, refers to a number that, when added to another number, gives a sum of zero
The additive inverse, also known as the opposite or the negation, refers to a number that, when added to another number, gives a sum of zero. In other words, for any number “a,” its additive inverse is denoted as “-a.”
For example, let’s consider the number 5. The additive inverse of 5 is -5 because when we add 5 and -5 together, we get 0 as the sum: 5 + (-5) = 0.
Similarly, the additive inverse of -7 is 7. When we add -7 and 7 together, the sum is zero: -7 + 7 = 0.
The concept of additive inverses is an essential part of algebra and number theory. It allows us to find solutions to equations involving addition and subtraction. For instance, if we have an equation like x + 3 = 0, we can determine that the value of x must be -3 by recognizing that the additive inverse of 3 is -3, making the sum equal to zero.
Additive inverses play a role in many mathematical concepts and operations, including the addition and subtraction of integers, solving equations and inequalities, and understanding the relationship between positive and negative numbers.
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