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

Question

Are the numbers opposite?

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

Video Solution

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.

Answer

No