Final answer:
Expressions A and E simplify to positive numbers following the rule that the product of two negative numbers is positive. Expressions B, C, D, and F simplify to negative numbers due to the rule that the result of multiplying or dividing numbers with opposite signs is negative.
Step-by-step explanation:
Simplification of Expressions
Let's examine each expression to determine whether they simplify to a positive or negative number.
- A. -13 * (-2): According to multiplication rules, when two negative numbers multiply, the answer is positive. Thus, this expression simplifies to a positive number (+26).
- B. -8 ÷ 4: When a negative number is divided by a positive number, the answer is negative. The result here is a negative number (-2).
- C. 18 ÷ (-6): Similar to division rule B, when a positive number is divided by a negative number, the outcome is negative. This expression simplifies to a negative number (-3).
- D. 10 * (-4): Multiplying a positive number by a negative results in a negative number. So this expression simplifies to a negative number (-40).
- E. -5 * (-5): As per the rule for multiplication of two negative numbers, the answer is positive. Hence, this is a positive number (+25).
- F. -20 ÷ 10: Dividing a negative number by a positive number yields a negative number. Therefore, this expression simplifies to a negative number (-2).