Do the points shown represent additive inverses? Explain why or why not.

Question

A number line going from negative 5 to positive 5. Points are at negative 3 and positive 3.

Answer 1

Yes, the points shown on the number line, negative 3 and positive 3, represent additive inverses.

Additive inverses are defined as two numbers that, when added together, equal zero. In this case:

\[ -3 + 3 = 0 \]

Since the sum of negative 3 and positive 3 equals zero, it confirms that they are additive inverses of each other. This is consistent with the definition, as each number is the opposite of the other on the number line. Therefore, negative 3 and positive 3 are indeed additive inverses.