Question

The debate is on these two siblings are having a strong debate about a homework problem. With whom do you agree? Why?

Myran says
-3(8-4) = -24 - 12
Marian says
-3(8-4) = -24 + 12

The debate is on -3(8-4). Which sibling is correct?
A) Myran - -24 - 12
B) Marian - -24 + 12
C) Both are correct
D) Both are incorrect

Answer 1

Both Myran and Marian are incorrect in their interpretation of the expression -3(8-4). After solving the expression correctly, the answer is found to be -12 and not -24 - 12 or -24 + 12.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is asking to solve the expression -3(8-4).

First, we should perform the operation inside the parentheses, which is 8-4.

This equals 4. Now, we multiply -3 by 4, remembering that when the two numbers multiplied have opposite signs, the answer has a -ve sign.

Therefore, -3 x 4 = -12.

Looking at the options given:

• Myran says -3(8-4) = -24 - 12, which is not the correct operation as per the rules of mathematics.
• Marian says -3(8-4) = -24 + 12, which is also not the correct operation.

Thus, the correct answer is D) Both are incorrect.