Question

What must be true about two nonzero integers that combine to equal​ zero?

Choose the correct answer below.
A.
The two integers are to the right of zero on a number line.
B.
The two integers are to the left of zero on a number line.
C.
The two integers are opposites.
D.
The two integers are the same.

Answer 1

Two nonzero integers that combine to equal zero must be opposites of each other. This means they are the same distance from zero but on opposite sides of the number line.

Step-by-step explanation:

When two nonzero integers combine to equal zero, the integers must be opposites of each other. For example, if one integer is positive, the other must be the negative of that value. As one of the properties of addition states, A + B = B + A, this is commutative and the integers can be in any order. The concept of opposite numbers is essential because it indicates that the two numbers are the same distance from zero on the number line, but in opposite directions, which is why their sum is zero.