Stretch: Opposites on the Number Line
I can find the opposite of a number and the opposite of the opposite, and explain why –(–a) = a.
🧠 The Challenge
oppositenegativeopposite of the oppositenumber line
The opposite of a number is the same distance from 0 on the other side. The opposite of −7 is 7. The opposite of the opposite brings you back: −(−7) = 7, and −(−(−3)) = −3.
👀 Worked Example
Opposite of −8 is 8. −(−5) = 5. The opposite of the opposite of −12 is −12 (two flips return the start).
✏️ Your Turn
0 of 3 checks complete
1. The opposite of −8 is…
2. −(−5) equals…
3. The opposite of the opposite of −12 is…
💬 Explain Your Thinking
Explain why −(−6) is the same as 6:
"The opposite of 6 is blank. The opposite of that is blank, so −(−6) = blank."