Grade 6 · Maths · Lessons
Opposites
↔️opposite0️⃣zero➕positive➖negative
Opposites.The big ideaThe opposite of a number is the same distance from zero on the other side.
How it works
The opposite of a number is the same distance from zero on the other side.
The opposite of 6 is −6. The opposite of −7/4 is 7/4.
The opposite of the opposite is the number you started with.
Example 1: Integers
- The opposite of 6.
- Same distance from zero, other side.
- It is −6.
Example 2: Fractions
- The dot is at 7/4.
- Its opposite is the same distance on the left.
- The opposite is −7/4.
Example 3: Twice
- The opposite of the opposite of −7/4.
- The first opposite is 7/4 and the second flips back.
- It is −7/4.
Words to know
- opposite
- The number the same distance from zero on the other side.
- integer
- A whole number or its opposite.
Watch out
- The opposite of 0 is 0.
- The opposite of a negative is positive.
- Opposites are the same distance from zero.
Try it
- What is the opposite of 9?
- What is the opposite of −2.5?
- What is the opposite of 0?
- What is the opposite of the opposite of 5?
Answers: 1. −9 · 2. 2.5 · 3. 0 · 4. 5
For grown-upsUse a number line on the floor and step to a number and its opposite.