Which term refers to a number that, when added to another number, results in zero?

The term that describes a number which, when added to another number, results in zero is the additive inverse. This concept refers specifically to the relationship between two numbers where one number negates the other. For example, if we take the number 5, its additive inverse is -5, because 5 + (-5) = 0.

Understanding the concept of additive inverses is crucial in algebra, as it helps in solving equations and understanding functions. The additive inverse directly relates to the idea of balance in equations, signifying how numbers can cancel each other out when combined through addition.

In contrast, the additive identity refers to the number zero itself since adding zero to any number does not change the value of that number. The multiplicative inverse relates to multiplication, where a number is multiplied by its reciprocal to obtain one, and the mean is a statistical term referring to the average of a set of numbers.