Question

The additive identity element of 24 is:
(A). -24
(B). 1
(C). 0
(D). None

Answer 1

Hint: In mathematics, an additive identity for a number x, is a number which is obtained when x is added to its additive inverse. Using this information, find the additive identity of 24.

Complete step-by-step answer:
Before proceeding with the solution, let’s understand the concept of additive inverse. The additive inverse of a number is that number, which, when added to the given number, gives the sum as 0. It is also known as the negative of a number. For example: The additive inverse of the number 2 is -2 , because 2 + (-2) = 2 – 2 = 0 .
Now, coming to the question, we are asked to find the additive identity of 24. For that , first we should calculate the additive inverse of 24. We know that the additive inverse of a number is its negative. So, the additive inverse of 24 is equal to -24.
Now, we know that the additive identity for a number x, is a number which is obtained when x is added to its additive inverse. So, to find the additive identity of 24, we will add it to its additive inverse, i.e. -24.
So, we get: Additive identity = 24 + (-24)
= 24 – 24
= 0
Hence, the additive identity of 24 is 0. So, option C is the correct option.

Note:The additive identity of any number is 0, because when a number is added to its negative, it always results in 0. Also, students generally get confused with multiplicative inverse and additive inverse. For multiplicative inverse, the product of the numbers should be equal to 1, whereas in additive inverse, the sum of the numbers should be equal to 0. Both the concepts should be properly understood so that such confusion can be avoided as these confusions generally lead to wrong answers.