Final answer:
The additive inverse of 42 is -12. The correct symbol to fill in the blank is (a) >.
Step-by-step explanation:
The additive inverse of a number is the number that, when added to the original number, results in a sum of zero. In this case, we are looking for the additive inverse of 42. Let's calculate:
-15 - (-3) = -15 + 3 = -12.
So, the additive inverse of 42 is -12. When we add 42 and -12, the sum is zero. Therefore, the correct symbol to fill in the blank is (a) >.