The phrase "opposite number" refers to someone who occupies a similar position but in a different organization or country. The word "opposite" is spelled with the /ˈɒpəzɪt/ sound, with stress on the first syllable. Meanwhile, "number" is pronounced as /ˈnʌmbər/, with stress on the second syllable. When these two words are used together, they form the phrase "opposite number," which is pronounced as /ˈɒpəzɪt ˈnʌmbər/. This spelling helps to convey the distinct sounds and syllables that make up this phrase.
The term "opposite number" refers to a mathematical concept that denotes a number that has the same numerical value but differs in its sign or direction. It is usually used in the context of integers or real numbers. An opposite number is also commonly known as an additive inverse.
In simple terms, the opposite number of a given number is obtained by changing the sign of the number. For instance, the opposite of +5 is -5, and the opposite of -12 is +12. The opposite number is located on the opposite side of zero on the number line.
The concept of opposite numbers is fundamental in various mathematical operations. Addition of opposite numbers results in the sum of zero, meaning that when the opposite numbers are combined, they nullify each other. For example, (-3) + 3 equals zero.
Opposite numbers are also utilized in subtraction, as subtracting any number is equivalent to adding its opposite. For example, to calculate 5 - 3, we can change it to 5 + (-3) since the opposite of 3 is -3.
In summary, an opposite number, or additive inverse, is a mathematical term that represents a number with the same numerical value but opposite sign or direction. It is used to reflect the operations of addition and subtraction, allowing for the efficient manipulation and analysis of mathematical expressions and equations.
The term "opposite number" is a compound phrase comprised of the words "opposite" and "number".
The word "opposite" originated from the Latin word "oppositus", which means "placed or situated in front" or "facing". In English, it has been used to indicate something or someone that is completely different or opposing in nature, position, or character.
The word "number" traces back to the Latin word "numerus", which referred to a set or collection of things, or a numeral signifying a quantity. Over time, "number" evolved into its present-day meaning of a mathematical symbol that represents a value or quantity.
When combined, "opposite number" refers to a numerical value that is contrasting or in direct contrast to another. It is often used to express a numerical relationship where one number is the reverse or complement of another.