Which property states that the sum of any number and zero is the number itself?

The Additive Identity Property is a fundamental principle in mathematics that indicates how numbers interact with zero regarding addition. This property asserts that when zero is added to any number, the result is that same number. In other words, for any number "a," the expression "a + 0" will always equal "a."

Understanding this property is crucial because it highlights the role of zero in arithmetic operations; zero acts as an identity element in addition, meaning it does not change the value of other numbers when used in an addition operation. This is different from other properties mentioned in the options, such as the Associative Property, which deals with grouping numbers, the Commutative Property, which concerns the order in which numbers are added or multiplied, and the Distributive Property, which relates to multiplying a number by a group of numbers added together. Each of these properties serves its unique function, but the Additive Identity Property specifically addresses the unique role of zero in maintaining the value of a number during addition.