Finding the Opposite: Unveiling Negative Numbers!

Mathematics Grades 7th Grade 3:11 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the concept of opposites on the number line, and learn how to identify the opposite of any number, both positive and negative.

Video Resource

Opposite of a number | Negative numbers | 6th grade | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 3:11
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Number Line Representation
  • Opposite of a Number
  • Relationship to Zero

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define the opposite of a number.
  • Students will be able to identify the opposite of a given number on a number line.
  • Students will be able to explain the relationship between a number and its opposite in terms of distance from zero.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they already know about negative numbers. Briefly review the concept of a number line and its components (zero, positive numbers, negative numbers). Engage students by asking for real-world examples where negative numbers are used (e.g., temperature, bank account balance).
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video "Opposite of a number | Negative numbers | 6th grade | Khan Academy." Instruct students to pay attention to how the number line is used to visualize opposites and how the presenter defines the opposite of a number.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    After the video, work through several examples together as a class. Draw a number line on the board and ask students to help you locate numbers and their opposites. Examples: 5 and -5, -2 and 2, 10 and -10. Emphasize the equal distance from zero. Introduce the term 'additive inverse'.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet or online activity where they can practice identifying the opposites of various numbers. Include both positive and negative integers. Encourage students to use a number line as a visual aid.
  • Wrap-up and Discussion (3 mins)
    Review the key concepts of the lesson. Ask students to summarize what they learned about opposites. Preview the connection to absolute value.

Interactive Exercises

  • Number Line Scavenger Hunt
    Create a large number line on the floor using tape. Call out numbers, and have students stand on the number's location. Then, have them 'jump' to the location of its opposite.
  • Opposite Card Game
    Create a deck of cards with various integers (both positive and negative). Students play in pairs, drawing cards and stating the opposite of the number on the card. The partner verifies the answer. Award points for correct answers.

Discussion Questions

  • How far away from zero is a number compared to its opposite?
  • Can a number and its opposite ever be the same number? If so, which number?
  • How can you quickly find the opposite of a large number without drawing a number line?

Skills Developed

  • Number Sense
  • Abstract Reasoning
  • Problem Solving

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is the opposite of 7?

Correct Answer: -7

Question 2:

What is the opposite of -3?

Correct Answer: 3

Question 3:

Which number is its own opposite?

Correct Answer: 0

Question 4:

What is the distance between 4 and its opposite on a number line?

Correct Answer: 8

Question 5:

What is the opposite of the opposite of -2?

Correct Answer: 2

Question 6:

Which of the following is furthest from its opposite on the number line?

Correct Answer: 5

Question 7:

If a number is 6 units to the left of zero, what is its opposite?

Correct Answer: 6

Question 8:

The opposite of a positive number is always:

Correct Answer: Negative

Question 9:

The opposite of a negative number is always:

Correct Answer: Positive

Question 10:

What happens to the sign of a number when you find its opposite?

Correct Answer: It changes

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The opposite of a number is the same __________ from zero on the number line.

Correct Answer: distance

Question 2:

The opposite of 9 is ___________.

Correct Answer: -9

Question 3:

The opposite of -15 is ___________.

Correct Answer: 15

Question 4:

The number zero is its own ____________.

Correct Answer: opposite

Question 5:

If a number is to the right of zero, its opposite is to the __________ of zero.

Correct Answer: left

Question 6:

A number and its opposite are called ____________ inverses.

Correct Answer: additive

Question 7:

The distance from zero to a number is related to its ___________ value.

Correct Answer: absolute

Question 8:

Changing the sign of a number gives you its ____________.

Correct Answer: opposite

Question 9:

If a number is positive, its opposite is ____________.

Correct Answer: negative

Question 10:

The opposite of the opposite of 4 is __________.

Correct Answer: 4

Educational Standards

7.N.1:[Standard] Read, write, represent, and compare rational numbers, expressed as integers, fractions, and decimals. Explain and apply the concept of absolute value. 7.N.1.3:[Objective] Explain the relationship between the absolute value of a rational number and the distance of that number from zero on a number line. Use the symbol for absolute value. Apply the concept of absolute value to model and solve problems.

Teaching Materials

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