Final answer:
A nonzero number can be positive or negative.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'The following statement is true for a nonzero number' is asking about the characteristics of a nonzero number. A nonzero number is a number that is not equal to zero. So, let's go through the given options:
- It is always positive: This option is incorrect because a nonzero number can be positive, negative, or zero.
- It is always negative: This option is also incorrect for the same reason as option 1.
- It can be positive or negative: This option is correct because a nonzero number can take on either a positive or negative value.
- It is always zero: This option is incorrect because a nonzero number, by definition, cannot be zero.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 3. A nonzero number can be positive or negative.