Question

A customer brings a box with a mix of integers (..., -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3...) as inputs to a function machine. She wants you to program a function machine so that the output is always a negative. Your manager suggests − 10. Did the manager make a good suggestion? Are there any inputs that will not meet the customer’s needs? Explain.

Answer 1

To ensure a negative output, the manager should use a negative number smaller than -10 as the output in the function machine.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to program a function machine that always outputs a negative number, we need to understand the properties of negative numbers. When adding two positive numbers, the sum is positive. When adding two negative numbers, the sum is also negative. However, when adding numbers with opposite signs, we subtract the smaller number from the larger number and take the sign of the larger number.

Based on these properties, if the customer wants the output to be always negative, using -10 as the output in the function machine may not always fulfill their needs. Inputs that are greater than or equal to -10 will not produce a negative output. The manager should consider using a negative number smaller than -10 as the output to ensure that all inputs result in a negative output.

Answer 2

I think -10 is good.