alleryStart learning →How is the opposite of a number defined on the number line?
AThe number twice as far from zero
BThe number one unit closer to zero
CThe same sign, but a different value
DThe same distance from zero, opposite side
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. The same distance from zero, opposite side
1. The rule for opposites requires the same distance from zero, but on the opposite side of the number line.
2. Doubling the distance or moving one unit closer to zero describes a different point entirely.
3. An opposite always flips the sign, so keeping the same sign does not match the definition.
_Source: OpenStax Prealgebra (CC BY 4.0), Ch 3 "Integers", section 3.1 Introduction to Integers_
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