The additive inverse of a number is the value that adds to it to give zero. The additive inverse of 9 is negative 9, which is the same thing as its opposite.
Math Dictionary / Additive Inverse
Additive Inverse
An additive inverse is a number that adds with another number to make 0.
Number SystemGrade 6Grade 7Grade 8GEDSATACT
What it means
The additive inverse of 9 is -9 because 9 + (-9) = 0.
Also called: opposite number
Examples
| The additive inverse of 5 is -5 |
| The additive inverse of -12 is 12 |
| 0 is its own additive inverse |
Common mistake
Do not confuse additive inverse with absolute value. The additive inverse of -8 is 8, but |-8| is also 8 for a different reason.
Try one
Question: What is the additive inverse of -14?
Show answer
14, because -14 + 14 = 0.