Question

Look at the expression below:

8 ___ 4 / 1 ____ -7
Which ONE of the operation symbols, when placed in both boxes, results in the expression with the largest value? Show your work for ALL operations.

a. + and /
b. - and *
c. + and *
d. - and /

Answer 1

To find the operation symbols resulting in the expression with the largest value, we evaluate each option. Using - and * symbols in the expression results in the largest value.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to find the operation symbols that result in the expression with the largest value, we need to evaluate each option. Let's start with option a. If we use the + symbol in both boxes, the expression becomes:

8 + 4 / 1 + -7

Using the order of operations, we perform the division first:

8 + 4 + -7

Next, we add the numbers:

12 + -7 = 5

So, when using the + and / symbols, the expression has a value of 5. Now let's move on to option b. If we use the - symbol in both boxes, the expression becomes:

8 - 4 / 1 - -7

Again, using the order of operations, we perform the division first:

8 - 4 - -7

Next, we subtract the numbers:

4 - -7 = 4 + 7 = 11

So, when using the - and * symbols, the expression has a value of 11. Finally, let's evaluate option c. If we use the + symbol in the first box and the * symbol in the second box, the expression becomes:

8 + 4 / 1 * -7

Using the order of operations, we perform the division first:

8 + 4 * -7

Next, we perform the multiplication:

8 + -28 = -20

So, when using the + and * symbols, the expression has a value of -20. Therefore, the option that results in the expression with the largest value is option b, which is - and *.