Question

Which of the following expressions represent a decrease in the first factor?

Option 1: -2/5 * 10
Option 2: -2/5 * 2/5
Option 3: -2/5 * 5/2
Option 4: 2/5 * 2

Answer 1

Option 1: -2/5 * 10 represents a decrease in the first factor.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine if a multiplication expression represents a decrease in the first factor, we need to look at the sign of the product. If the product is negative, it means one of the factors is negative, which indicates a decrease. Let's evaluate the options:

1. -2/5 * 10 = -4
   
2. -2/5 * 2/5 = -4/25
   
3. -2/5 * 5/2 = -1
   
4. 2/5 * 2 = 4/5

Option 1, -2/5 * 10, represents a decrease in the first factor as the product is negative. Thus, Option 1 correctly represents a decrease, evident from the negative outcome of the multiplication, highlighting the concept that a negative product denotes a reduction in the first factor within a multiplication expression.