What is the result of adding a number and its additive inverse?

What is the result of adding a number and its additive inverse?

• A. 1
• B. 0
• C. The number itself
• D. The additive identity

Answer: (B)

When you add a number to its additive inverse, the result is always zero. The additive inverse of a number is the value that, when added to the original number, yields zero. For example, the additive inverse of 5 is -5, because 5 + (-5) = 0. This concept applies to any real number; for any number \( x \), its additive inverse is \( -x \), and when you perform the operation \( x + (-x) \), you simplify it to zero. Thus, the result of adding a number and its additive inverse is indeed zero, confirming that the correct choice is accurate.

When you add a number to its additive inverse, the result is always zero. The additive inverse of a number is the value that, when added to the original number, yields zero. For example, the additive inverse of 5 is -5, because 5 + (-5) = 0.

This concept applies to any real number; for any number ( x ), its additive inverse is ( -x ), and when you perform the operation ( x + (-x) ), you simplify it to zero. Thus, the result of adding a number and its additive inverse is indeed zero, confirming that the correct choice is accurate.