#can someone help me understand “ If a + b = 0 the b = -a AND a = -b” ?

31 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

lavish palm
#

I’m a little confused partly because it’s using letters. Is this explaining additive inverses? Or does it mean that “B = -a OR a= -b), or is there something I’m just not seeing?

IMG_7665.jpg
last elkBOT
proper monolith
#

Like the things you said they are related so there is not really confusion... looking at the proof yes it looks like additive invere but it is more proving the statement that if

a + b = 0 is true then

a = -b or b = -a follows/is also true

#

But without more context and judging by the picture, you may assume that it can have to do with additive inverse

lavish palm
#

What if I did -b -a

#

Wouldn’t that turn to negative b minus a?

#

Or is it only -b + a or -a + b

storm grail
#

wdym

#

a + b = 0
a = -b or b = -a

#

If a = -b
(-b) + b = 0 TRUE
If b = -a
a + (-a) = 0 TRUE

#

Hence two answers (a = -b or b = -a)

proper monolith
#

I'm assuming a and b are real numbers

#

So a + b = 0 is enough no need to do -b - a = 0

#

Otherwise I dont get your question tho

hollow forge
#

a = -b and b= -a are actually the same equation, when distributivaty applies. If a + b = 0, a and b are just iverses of each other.

lavish palm
#

Ok I see

#

That makes sense

lavish palm
#

Well I figured in meant they where just inverses I was just a little confused

lavish palm
lavish palm
#

Cause I mean at the end of the day if a + b = 0 then that implies that a and b are just inverse of each other right?

proper monolith
lavish palm
#

Thanks for the help how do I mark it as solved

proper monolith
#

it's trivial but yea

#

.solved

last elkBOT
#
Solved

Post marked as solved by @proper monolith.

Use .unsolved if this was a mistake.

hollow forge