Question

The statement “When an integer is added to itself, the sum is greater than the integer” is ______.

Options

• always true

• never true

• true only when the integer is positive

• true for non-negative integers

Answer 1

The statement “When an integer is added to itself, the sum is greater than the integer” is true only when the integer is positive.

Explanation:

Suppose we take two integers one positive (+1) and other negative –1.

On adding 1 to itself, we get

1 + 1 = 2

Here, the sum is greater than the integer (+1).

Again, adding –1 to itself, we get

–1 + (–1) = –1 – 1 = –2 

Here, the sum is less than the integer –1.

Hence, the given statement is true only when the integer is positive.