Additive: Inverse

: Used to "zero out" constants to isolate variables (e.g., subtracting from both sides of

: Subtraction can be rewritten as adding the opposite (e.g., Balancing Accounts : In finance, if you owe -50negative 50 ), a payment of +50positive 50 ) is the additive inverse that brings your balance to Common Mistake: Inverse vs. Reciprocal additive inverse

The states that for any real number , there exists a number −anegative a such that: a+(−a)=0a plus open paren negative a close paren equals 0 Positive numbers : The inverse is negative (e.g., 8→-88 right arrow negative 8 Negative numbers : The inverse is positive (e.g., -12→12negative 12 right arrow 12 Zero : The only number that is its own additive inverse ( How to Find It : Used to "zero out" constants to isolate variables (e

The numerical values of the numerator and denominator do not change. Only the sign of the entire fraction flips. The inverse of 23two-thirds −23negative two-thirds The inverse of −59negative five-nineths 59five-nineths For Algebraic Expressions Balancing Accounts : In finance

Do not confuse the with the multiplicative inverse (reciprocal). Additive Inverse Multiplicative Inverse Goal Product of Action Change the sign Flip the fraction Example (for 5) -5negative 5 15one-fifth Additive Inverse 127-3.3