Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) Basic Math Placement Practice Test

What is the result of a + (-a) according to the Additive Inverse Property?

1. Zero

2. One

3. The original number

4. A positive value

The correct answer is: Zero

According to the Additive Inverse Property, for any real number \( a \), the sum of the number and its additive inverse (which is \( -a \)) equals zero. This can be represented mathematically as \( a + (-a) = 0 \). The additive inverse is essentially the value that, when added to the original number, will cancel it out, resulting in zero. For example, if \( a \) is 5, then \( -a \) is -5, and \( 5 + (-5) = 0 \). Therefore, the result of \( a + (-a) \) is always zero, confirming that option A is correct. This property is fundamental in arithmetic and algebra, as it applies to all real numbers.