Difference between Additive Inverse and Multiplicative Inverse

Let’s discuss the differences between additive and multiplicative inverses.

Additive Inverse vs. Multiplicative Inverse

Aspect

Additive Inverse

Multiplicative Inverse

Definition and Notation

The additive inverse of a number ‘a’ is represented as ‘-a.’

The multiplicative inverse of a non-zero number ‘a’ is denoted as ‘1/a’ or ‘a-1.’

Similarities

Both inverses involve operations with a given number to result in a specific outcome: zero for additive inverses and one for multiplicative inverses.

Both concepts play fundamental roles in algebraic manipulations and equation-solving.

Properties

Adding a number to its additive inverse yields zero:

a+(−a)=0.

Multiplying a number by its multiplicative inverse results in one:

a x (1/a) =1.

Applications

Used in solving equations, balancing expressions, and understanding symmetries.

Applied in solving equations involving division, scaling, and proportionality.

Additive Inverse and Multiplicative Inverse

Additive inverse of a number is what you add to the original number to get a sum of zero. On the other hand, multiplicative inverse of a number is what you multiply the original number by to get a product of one.

Additive Inverse and Multiplicative Inverse in Math

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