Additive Inverses

Definition of Additive Inverses

• The additive inverse of a number is the opposite of the number.

 

• A number and its opposite add up to give zero.

They are called additive inverses of each other.

Examples of Additive Inverses

• The additive inverse of 7 is - 7.

7 + (- 7) = 0

• The additive inverse of - 2 is 2.

           - 2 + 2 = 0

Solved Example on Additive Inverses

Which of the following is the additive inverse of the sum of 5 and 8?

Choices:

A. - 13

B. - 5

C. - 8

D. - 3

Correct Answer : A

Solution:

Step 1: The sum of 5 and 8 is 13.

Step 2: The additive inverse of 13 is - 13.

Related Terms for Additive Inverses

• opposite number

 

Additional Links for Additive Inverses

• Click here for samples
• Back to Mathematics Dictionary