1.1: Properties of Real Numbers

Question 1

Opposite or Additive Inverse

Answer 1

The opposites or additive inverse any number a is -a. The sum of opposites is 0.

Question 2

Reciprocal or Multiplicative Inverse

Answer 2

The reciprocal or Multiplicative inverse of any nonzero number a is 1/a. The product of reciprocals is 1.

Question 3

Absolute value of a real number

Answer 3

The absolute value of a real number is its distance from zero on the number line.