Question

Zero is the additive identity for addition. For example, 0 + a = a, where a is a rational number. Explain in words what this means.

a) Zero is the only number that can be added to any number.
b) Zero added to any number results in zero.
c) The sum of zero and any number is that number itself.
d) Zero is the only additive identity.

Answer 1

Zero is the additive identity for addition, which means that when you add zero to any number, the result will be the same number itself. Hence, c) is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement 'Zero is the additive identity for addition' means that when you add zero to any number, the result will be the same number itself. In other words, the sum of zero and any number is that number itself.

For example, if you add zero to the rational number 'a', you get 'a' as the result: 0 + 'a' = 'a'.