Question

Determine if the following argument always applies, sometimes applies, or never applies. Provide at least 2 examples in your explanation.
"The sum of a number and its opposite is always 1."

Answer 1

Answer:

Never applies

Step-by-step explanation:

Given

Argument: The sum of a number and its opposite is always 1

Assume a positive number x

The opposite of the number is negative x (i.e. -x)

The sum of both numbers is:

$Sum = x + (-x)$

Open Bracket

$Sum = x -x$

$Sum = 0$

Now, take for instance.

$Number = 5$

Opposite would be

$Opposite = -5$

Their sum is:

$Sum = 5 + (-5)$

$Sum = 5 -5$

$Sum = 0$

Another instance is:

$Number = -8$

Opposite would be

$Opposite = 8$

Their sum is;

$Sum = -8 + 8$

$Sum = -0$

Hence, the argument never applies because the sum is never 1