Give (a) the additive inverse and (b) the absolute value of each number. -6⁄5

Key Concepts

Additive Inverse

The additive inverse of a number is the value that, when added to the original number, results in zero. For any real number 'x', the additive inverse is '-x'. In the case of -6/5, its additive inverse is 6/5, since -6/5 + 6/5 = 0.

Absolute Value

The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of direction. It is denoted by vertical bars, e.g., |x|. For negative numbers, the absolute value is the positive counterpart; thus, the absolute value of -6/5 is 6/5, as it represents the same distance from zero.

Rational Numbers

Rational numbers are numbers that can be expressed as the quotient of two integers, where the denominator is not zero. The number -6/5 is a rational number because it can be written as -6 divided by 5. Understanding rational numbers is essential for working with operations like finding additive inverses and absolute values.