Examples and Properties of Additive and Multiplicative Identities in Math
FAQs on What Is the Difference Between Additive Identity and Multiplicative Identity?
1. What is the difference between additive identity and multiplicative identity?
Additive identity and multiplicative identity are two different numbers that play special roles in mathematics. The additive identity is 0, because any number plus 0 remains unchanged. The multiplicative identity is 1, because multiplying any number by 1 does not change its value.
- Additive identity (0): a + 0 = a for any number a
- Multiplicative identity (1): a × 1 = a for any number a
2. What is additive identity with example?
Additive identity is a number which, when added to any other number, keeps its value unchanged. For example:
- 3 + 0 = 3
- -7 + 0 = -7
3. What is multiplicative identity with example?
Multiplicative identity means any number that is multiplied by 1 remains unchanged. For example:
- 4 × 1 = 4
- -9 × 1 = -9
4. Why is 0 called the additive identity?
0 is called the additive identity because adding zero to any number does not change its value.
- For example, a + 0 = a for every number 'a'.
5. Why is 1 called the multiplicative identity?
1 is the multiplicative identity because multiplying any number by one leaves it unchanged.
- For every number a, a × 1 = a.
6. Can a number have both additive and multiplicative identity?
No single number serves as both the additive identity and multiplicative identity.
- 0 is used for addition.
- 1 is used for multiplication.
7. State the properties of additive and multiplicative identities with respect to real numbers.
Both additive identity and multiplicative identity follow important properties for real numbers:
- Additive identity: a + 0 = a
- Multiplicative identity: a × 1 = a
- Both work for all real numbers
- Additive identity does not change the number's value in addition; multiplicative identity does not change it in multiplication
8. What happens if you add or multiply any number with 0 or 1?
When you add or multiply a number with 0 or 1, you see the identity properties in action:
- Adding zero: a + 0 = a
- Multiplying by one: a × 1 = a
- Multiplying by zero: a × 0 = 0
9. Are additive identity and multiplicative identity the same in all number systems?
Yes, in standard arithmetic, the additive identity is 0 and the multiplicative identity is 1 across all number systems like natural numbers, integers, rationals, reals, and complex numbers. However, in certain advanced mathematical systems, definitions can vary, but for exam-level topics, these roles of 0 and 1 remain consistent.
10. Write two differences between additive identity and multiplicative identity.
Additive identity and multiplicative identity are different in role and value:
- Additive identity is 0; multiplicative identity is 1
- Adding zero does not change a number's value; multiplying by one does not change a number's value






















