Opposites
Part of the Numbers & Operations section of Coddy's Pre-Algebra journey. Lesson 14 of 60.
Two numbers are opposites when they sit at the same distance from zero, on opposite sides. 3 and -3 are opposites; so are 8 and -8. Zero is its own opposite.
A minus sign in front of a number means 'the opposite of'. So -7 is the opposite of 7, and -(-7) is the opposite of -7, which is 7. Two minus signs in a row cancel, because flipping to the other side twice brings you back.
Opposites matter because they cancel when added, a fact the next chapters use again and again. For now, picture them as mirror images across zero.
Challenge
Mark -5 and its opposite on the number line.
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Numbers & Operations
1Working on the Board
Your First AnswerType the Next LineOne Line at a TimeDots and BarsFriendly ProductsRecap: Board Work4Adding Integers
Adding Two NegativesDifferent SignsZero PairsAdding Several IntegersRecap: Adding Integers2Order of Operations
Multiply Before AddingLeft to RightParentheses FirstBrackets Inside BracketsThe Fraction Bar GroupsRecap: Order of Operations5Subtracting Integers
Add the OppositeSubtracting a NegativePlus and Minus in a RowDistance Between NumbersRecap: Subtracting Integers