What is the sum of any number and its opposite?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking what the result is when you add a number to its opposite. The opposite of a number is its negative counterpart, so adding the two will yield a sum of zero.
Answer
$0$
Answer for screen readers
The sum of a number and its opposite is $0$.
Steps to Solve
-
Identify the Operand
Let's say we have a number represented as $x$. -
Find the Opposite
The opposite of the number $x$ is its negative counterpart, which can be expressed as $-x$. -
Set Up the Addition
Now we add the number $x$ to its opposite $-x$:
$$ x + (-x) $$ -
Simplify the Expression
When we perform the addition, we see that both terms cancel each other out:
$$ x + (-x) = 0 $$ -
Conclusion
Thus, the sum of any number and its opposite is always zero.
The sum of a number and its opposite is $0$.
More Information
This concept is fundamental in mathematics and helps to understand properties of numbers, especially in algebra. The idea that adding a number to its opposite yields zero is crucial in many areas, such as solving equations.
Tips
- A common mistake is thinking that the sum of a number and its opposite results in the number itself. To avoid this, remember that the opposite is specifically defined as the negative of the number.
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