Opposite facts for kids
An opposite is something that is completely different from another thing. It can be a word that means the reverse of another word, or a number that balances another number out.
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What is an Opposite?
The idea of "opposite" helps us understand differences. It shows us how things can be at two ends of a spectrum. For example, if something is hot, its opposite is cold. If you go up, the opposite is to go down. This simple idea is used in many areas, from language to mathematics.
Opposite Words: Antonyms
In language, an opposite word is called an antonym. Antonyms are pairs of words that have meanings that are completely different from each other. They help us describe things more clearly. Knowing antonyms can make your vocabulary much richer.
Examples of Antonyms
Think about these common antonyms:
- Hot and cold
- Up and down
- Big and small
- Happy and sad
- Light and dark
- Fast and slow
- Good and bad
These pairs show how words can have meanings that are directly against each other. Antonyms are very useful when you want to compare things or show a contrast.
Opposite Numbers: Additive Inverse
In mathematics, an opposite number is also called an additive inverse. This is a number that, when added to another number, gives a total of zero. Every number has an opposite, except for zero itself, which is its own opposite.
How to Find an Opposite Number
To find the opposite of a number, you simply change its sign.
- The opposite of a positive number is the same number with a minus sign. For example, the opposite of 5 is -5.
- The opposite of a negative number is the same number without the minus sign. For example, the opposite of -10 is 10.
- The opposite of 0 is 0.
Adding Opposites
When you add a number to its opposite, the result is always zero. This is a key rule in mathematics.
- 5 + (-5) = 0
- (-10) + 10 = 0
- 0.75 + (-0.75) = 0
Understanding opposite numbers is important for solving equations and working with positive and negative numbers. It helps you see how numbers balance each other out on a number line.
Images for kids
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A friendly robot
See also
In Spanish: Antónimo para niños
