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.
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.