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What is the additive identity? Write the property using aa, and explain why it is called an 'identity'.

Question: What is the additive identity? Write the property using aa, and explain why it is called an 'identity'.

Sample answer: The additive identity is 00. For any number aa: a+0=aa + 0 = a and 0+a=a0 + a = a. It is called an 'identity' because adding 00 does not change the number — it keeps its original value.

Key points:

  • The additive identity is 0.
  • a+0=aa + 0 = a
  • 0+a=a0 + a = a
  • 'Identity' means the number's value stays the same after adding 0.
  • 0 is the only number with this property.

Rubric: Full credit: names 0, states the property correctly with aa, and explains why 'identity' fits. Partial credit: gets two of the three parts. No credit: missing or incorrect on all parts.

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Updated 2026-07-11

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