Question

If two numbers are added together and their sum is equal to zero, what names can we give these numbers?

- a) Negative numbers
- b) Opposite numbers
- c) Complementary numbers
- d) Insufficient information to determine.

Answer 1

Two numbers that sum to zero are known as opposite numbers, as they have the same magnitude but opposite signs, canceling each other out.

Step-by-step explanation:

When two numbers are added together and their sum is equal to zero, these numbers are known as opposite numbers. This is because one number is the negative counterpart to the positive number, such as +3 and -3. They cancel each other out when added together, leading to a sum of zero. This principle is similar to the equilibrant in physics, which has the same magnitude but opposite direction to the resultant vector, and they sum to zero. Understanding the signs of numbers is essential; a positive number (> 0) is added to a negative number (< 0) that has the same absolute value but the opposite sign will always equal zero.