Question

Positive integers a and b are each less than 6. what is the least possible value for 2*a-a*b?

Answer 1

The least possible value for the expression 2*a - a*b, with a and b being positive integers less than 6, is -3. This is found by setting a = 1 and b = 5 and calculating the expression.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the least possible value for the expression 2*a - a*b with the given conditions that both a and b are positive integers less than 6, we need to consider the values of a and b that will minimize the expression. The smallest positive integer is 1, so if we set a = 1, the expression simplifies to 2 - b.

Now, to minimize the expression, we want the largest value of b that is less than 6, which is b = 5. Thus, the expression becomes 2 - 1*5 which equals -3.

Steps to Solve:

1. Set a to the smallest positive integer, which is 1.
2. Set b to the largest positive integer less than 6, which is 5.
3. Calculate the expression 2*a - a*b substituting a = 1 and b = 5.
4. The result is 2 - 1*5 = -3, which is the least possible value for the expression.