Opposite Definition: a plain-English explanation of what the term means, why it matters in math, and how it is used, followed by worked examples and practice questions so the definition turns into something you can apply.
Math Dictionary / Opposite
Opposite
The opposite of a number is the number the same distance from 0 on the other side of the number line. The opposite of 7 is negative 7, and every number added to its opposite gives zero.
Number SystemGrade 6Grade 7Grade 8GED
What it means
Opposites add to 0.
Also called: additive inverse
Examples
| The opposite of 4 is -4 |
| The opposite of -10 is 10 |
| 0 is its own opposite |
Common mistake
The opposite of a negative number is positive.
Try one
Question: What is the opposite of -6?
Show answer
6.