On a number line, which statement best captures the idea of opposite numbers?

On a number line, which statement best captures the idea of opposite numbers?

• A. They share the same sign.
• B. They have different values but the same distance from zero.
• C. They have equal distance from zero but opposite signs.
• D. They are always positive numbers.

Answer: (C)

Opposite numbers are mirror images across zero on the number line. They sit at the same distance from zero but on opposite sides, like 5 and -5. So the best description is that they have equal distance from zero and opposite signs, which directly states both parts of what makes a pair opposite. Saying they share the same sign would be incorrect for opposite pairs, and saying they are always positive is false. While having the same distance from zero could describe other symmetric points, only the statement that includes opposite signs clearly matches the idea of opposite numbers.

Opposite numbers are mirror images across zero on the number line. They sit at the same distance from zero but on opposite sides, like 5 and -5. So the best description is that they have equal distance from zero and opposite signs, which directly states both parts of what makes a pair opposite. Saying they share the same sign would be incorrect for opposite pairs, and saying they are always positive is false. While having the same distance from zero could describe other symmetric points, only the statement that includes opposite signs clearly matches the idea of opposite numbers.