Inverse Property of Addition (aka Opposite Property)

The Inverse Property of Addition states that for every real number \( a \), there exists another real number \( -a \) such that:

Where:

• \(a\) = is a real number

In other words, the additive inverse of a number is the number that, when added to the original number, results in zero.

Examples:

• The additive inverse of 5 is -5, because \( 5 + (-5) = 0 \).
• The additive inverse of -7 is 7, because \( -7 + 7 = 0 \).
• The additive inverse of 0 is 0, because \( 0 + 0 = 0 \).

This property is fundamental in algebra and is used when solving equations, simplifying expressions, and working with negative numbers.

Latex

a + (-a) = 0