Verified answer

Opposite is the incorrect term to use.

The additive inverse of a = -(a)

If a < 0, then -(-a) = a

(-a) is the negative of (a), and that does not necessarily mean (-a) is a negative number. In the case of (a) being a negative number, then (-a) is positive.

Examples

a = 2

-a = -2

a = -4

-a = 4