Questions on Algebra: Negative and Fractional exponents answered by real tutors!

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Question 161082: Hi I need help with this:
can the opposite of (-a) be a negative number? why?: Hi I need help with this:
can the opposite of (-a) be a negative number? why?
Answer by vleith(1235) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Sure. If "a" is negative to start with, then -a is positive. And -(-a) is just a. Which is negative.
To be concrete, start with the number -5. Then -(-5) is 5. And the 'opposite' of 5 is -5 - which was where you started