What is the result of adding zero to any number?

Adding zero to any number leaves the number unchanged because zero is the additive identity in mathematics. This means that when you add zero to a number, you are not altering its value at all. For example, if you take the number 5 and add zero to it, the result remains 5. The concept of the additive identity is fundamental in arithmetic and underlines various mathematical principles, such as maintaining balance in equations. In contrast, adding a positive number would increase the original number, and adding a negative number would decrease it, but zero does neither, reinforcing the idea that it does not affect the original value.