1.1: properties of real numbers

Question 1

Opposite or additive inverse

Answer 1

The opposite or additive inverse of any number a is -a. The sum of the 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.