Question

Write your answer in simplest form. −1.6⋅(0.5)⋅(−20)

A. 8
B. 16
C. -16
D. -8

Answer 1

The multiplication of −1.6, 0.5, and −20 in that order results in 16, following the rule that the product of multiple numbers with varying signs results in a positive or negative based on the number of negative factors. The correct answer is B. 16.

Step-by-step explanation:

The equation at hand is −1.6⋅(0.5)⋅(−20). This involves the multiplication of decimals and negative numbers. To solve it, we multiply the numbers step by step. First, −1.6 multiplied by 0.5 equals −0.8. Next, −0.8 multiplied by −20 (which is a negative time a negative, resulting in a positive) equals 16.

Therefore, following the rules of multiplication for signs:

1. When two negative numbers multiply, the answer is positive (−×− = +).
2. When numbers of opposite signs multiply, the result is negative (−×+ = −).

In this case, we have a negative time a positive, and then the result times another negative. Applying these rules gives us a final positive result.