Question

Which of the following expressions are equivalent to this expression:

–1(0) = ?

–1[4 + (–4)]
–1[4 + (4)]
1 + [4 + (–4)]
–1[-4 + (–4)]

Answer 1

Answer: A, –1[4 + (–4)]

Explanation:

Answer 2

The original expression is equal to 0 because anything multiplied by 0 is equal to 0. Solve inside the brackets for the possible answer choices to find what will equal 0.

Start with the first expression. Add 4 and negative 4 will become 0, and -1 times 0 is equal to 0. Let's solve for the others just to be sure.

In the second expression, solving inside the brackets gives you 8. -1 times 8 is equal to -8.

Adding 4 and negative 4 in the third expression leaves you with 0. But, 1 + 0 is equal to 1.

Adding negative 4 and negative 4 gives you the answer of -8, and -1 times -8 is equal to 8.

Your answer is the first expression, or A.