Comparing Absolute Values: Are |56| and |-5.6| Opposite Numbers?

Absolute Value Comparison with Different Magnitudes

Are the numbers opposite?

56,5.6 \left|56\right|,\left|-5.6\right|

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1

Understand the problem

Are the numbers opposite?

56,5.6 \left|56\right|,\left|-5.6\right|

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we shall first evaluate the absolute value of each given number.

  • Step 1: Calculate 56\left|56\right|. Since the absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line without regard to sign, 56=56\left|56\right| = 56.

  • Step 2: Calculate 5.6\left|-5.6\right|. Similarly, 5.6\left|-5.6\right| is the magnitude of 5.6-5.6, hence 5.6=5.6\left|-5.6\right| = 5.6.

Now that we have evaluated the absolute values:

  • 56=56\left|56\right| = 56
  • 5.6=5.6\left|-5.6\right| = 5.6

We compare the obtained results to check if they are opposites. By definition, opposites are numbers that are equal in magnitude but different in sign. However, since absolute values are always non-negative, the idea of "opposites" does not apply directly to absolute values. In this context, we check if their magnitudes are the same.

Clearly, 5656 is not equal to 5.65.6. Therefore, the numbers 56\left|56\right| and 5.6\left|-5.6\right| are not opposites.

The correct answer is No.

3

Final Answer

No

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Absolute Value Rule: Distance from zero, always positive or zero
  • Calculation: 56=56 |56| = 56 and 5.6=5.6 |-5.6| = 5.6
  • Check Opposites: Compare magnitudes: 56 ≠ 5.6, so not opposites ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Thinking absolute values can be negative
    Don't think 5.6=5.6 |-5.6| = -5.6 = wrong answer! Absolute value removes the negative sign and gives distance from zero. Always remember absolute values are never negative.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Determine the absolute value of the following number:

\( \left|18\right|= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

What does it mean for numbers to be opposites?

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Opposite numbers have the same distance from zero but different signs. For example, 7 and -7 are opposites because they're both 7 units from zero.

Can absolute values ever be opposites?

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Since absolute values are always positive or zero, they can only be opposites if one of them is zero. For example, 0=0 |0| = 0 and 0=0 |-0| = 0 are the same, not opposites!

Why isn't 56 the opposite of 5.6?

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Opposites must have the same magnitude (distance from zero). Since 56 ≠ 5.6, they have different magnitudes and cannot be opposites.

How do I calculate absolute value quickly?

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Simply remove the negative sign if there is one! 8=8 |8| = 8 and 8=8 |-8| = 8 . The absolute value is always the positive version of the number.

What if the question asked about the original numbers 56 and -5.6?

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The original numbers 56 and -5.6 are not opposites either because opposites of 56 would be -56, and opposites of -5.6 would be 5.6.

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