Question

Which pair of numbers are not opposites?

O 72 and -72
O 171 and -7
O 27 and -27
O 27 and 1 - 271

Answer 1

The pair of numbers that are not opposites is 171 and -7 because they do not have the same magnitude, and their sum is not zero. The concept of opposite numbers relates to their positions on the number line and requires them to have the same magnitude but different signs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks us to identify which pair of numbers are not opposites. Opposite numbers are pairs of numbers that are the same distance away from zero on the number line, but in opposite directions. Therefore, their sum is zero. For example, -3 and 3 are opposites because they are each 3 units away from zero but on opposite sides of the number line.

Let's examine the given pairs:

• 72 and -72: These numbers are opposites because they are equal in magnitude but have opposite signs.
• 171 and -7: These numbers are not opposites because they do not have the same magnitude, so their sum would not be zero.
• 27 and -27: These numbers are opposites for the same reason as the first pair.
• 27 and 1 - 27: This is a tricky one because it depends on the outcome of the expression 1 - 27. If we calculate it, the result is -26, which is not the opposite of 27.

Therefore, the pair of numbers that are not opposites is 171 and -7 because they do not have the same magnitude, and their sum is not zero.