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Example

Finding Opposites of Integers

To find the opposite of an integer, identify the number that lies at the same distance from zero on the number line but on the other side:

  • The opposite of 7{7} is 7{-7}, because 7{-7} is the same distance from 0{0} as 7{7} but on the left side.
  • The opposite of 10{-10} is 10{10}, because 10{10} is the same distance from 0{0} as 10{-10} but on the right side.
  • (6)=6-(-6) = 6: The expression (6)-(-6) means "the opposite of 6{-6}." Since 6{6} lies the same distance from 0{0} as 6{-6} but on the opposite side, the result is 6{6}.

In particular, taking the opposite of a negative number always produces a positive number: (a)=a-(-a) = a when aa is positive.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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