CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.6a
The Standard
Recognize opposite signs of numbers as indicating locations on opposite sides of 0 on the number line; recognize that the opposite of the opposite of a number is the number itself, e.g., -(-3) = 3, and that 0 is its own opposite.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students identify opposites as numbers the same distance from 0 on different sides of a number line. They find double opposites and recognize that 0 is its own opposite.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students locate a number and its opposite at equal distances from 0 on different sides of a number line. They simplify expressions such as -(-7) and explain why 0 is its own opposite.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think a negative sign always makes a value smaller, even in an expression such as -(-3). Some treat opposites as reciprocals, or name 0 and -0 as different numbers.
How to Assess It
- Give students -5, 0, and 4. Ask them to plot each number and its opposite, then simplify -(-5) and explain the result in one sentence.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Place integer cards on a floor number line, then have partners stand on each number and its opposite.
Ask students to explain why -(-6) equals 6 using distance and direction from 0.
Play Opposite Match with cards showing numbers, opposites, and double opposites, with students collecting correctly matched sets.
Use temperatures above and below zero to compare opposite values such as 8°C and -8°C.
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Printable 6.NS.C.6a Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.6a, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetLearning progression
Where This Standard Sits
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.6
Students need rational numbers as number line points to interpret negative signs and opposites as locations relative to zero.
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.5
Real-world positive and negative contexts introduce opposites and zero, which support understanding opposite locations on the number line.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.6b
Understanding positive and negative as opposite directions from 0 on a line supports quadrant signs and reflections across axes.
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.7c
Knowing positives and negatives lie on opposite sides of zero supports seeing absolute value as distance from zero regardless of sign.
- CCSS.Math.Content.7.NS.A.1a
Understanding opposite numbers and zero on the number line supports recognizing real-world quantities that cancel each other to make 0.
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.6c
Positioning negative numbers and coordinate pairs requires knowing signs show opposite directions from zero on number lines and axes.
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