Cogito
Grade 6 Math · Chapter 4 · Lesson 4
Opposites
Same distance from zero, other side.
10 problems · about 16 minutes · 6.NS.C.6
What this lesson teaches
The child finds the opposite of a rational number and recognises that the opposite of an opposite is the original number.
- Opposites sit the same distance from zero on either side.
- The opposite of an opposite is the original number.
- Zero is its own opposite.
Warm-Up Review
From earlier lessons. Loosen up before the new work.
3 problemsReview — All Four Quadrants: How far is it from (−3, 4) to (6, 4)?
Answer 9
Why 9 units.
Review — Absolute Value: What is |−20|?
Answer 20
Why 20.
Review — Numbers Below Zero: Which is smaller, −11 or −4?
Answer −11.
Why −11 is smaller, even though 11 beats 4.
Warm Up
Straightforward practice. Get the method working first.
3 problemsWhat is −(−8)?
Answer 8
Why 8.
What is the opposite of 9?
Answer -9
Why Other side of zero.
What is the opposite of −4?
Answer 4
Why Other side of zero.
Build It Up
The same ideas with more to keep track of.
2 problemsWhat is −(−6)?
Answer 6
Why Two reversals.
What is the opposite of 0?
Answer 0
Why Zero is special here.
Stretch Yourself
Mixed problems. Work out what kind of question it is before you start.
2 problemsThe Lift: A lift is 3 floors below ground, written −3. What is the opposite of that number?
Answer 3
Why 3.
The Double Negative: What is −(−12)?
Answer 12
Why 12.