Opposite Numbers

Two numbers differing only in sign are opposites: a and −a are symmetric about the origin

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About This Practice

Opposite numbers are a pair with "opposite signs, same distance": 3 and −3, 2.5 and −2.5. On the number line they sit on opposite sides of the origin, equally distant from it. Tap "Take the opposite" and watch the dot flip across the origin.

Place a number on the number line and tap "Take the opposite" to watch it flip across the origin to the equally distant other side. Random negatives and decimals show that a and −a stay the same distance from the origin, mirrored about it.

EasyEstimated Time: 10minopposite numbersoriginsymmetrysignrational numbers

How to Play

  1. Look at the number a on the line: which side of the origin is it on?
  2. Tap "Take the opposite" and watch the dot flip around the origin.
  3. Compare before and after: the sign changed, the distance did not.
  4. Try a negative number or a decimal.
  5. Say the conclusion: a and −a are symmetric about the origin.

Learning Objectives

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