Question

Without solving, tell whether the value of -3(-8)(9) (10) is positive or negative.

Justify your answer.

Answer 1

The value of -3(-8)(9)(10) is negative because the product of an odd number of negative factors and an even number of positive factors will always be negative.

Step-by-step explanation:

The value of -3(-8)(9)(10) can be determined to be positive or negative without actually solving it, by considering the multiplication rules for signs:

• When two positive numbers multiply, the result is positive.
• When two negative numbers multiply, the result is also positive.
• When numbers with opposite signs multiply, the result is negative.

In the expression -3(-8)(9)(10), there are three negative numbers (-3, -8, and -9) and one positive number (10). According to the rules, the product of -3 and -8 is positive, and when multiplied by another negative number (-9), the result turns negative. Finally, multiplying by a positive number (10) will not change the sign, so the overall result remains negative. Therefore, the value of -3(-8)(9)(10) is negative.

Answer 2

Answer is positive

Reason - I notice the first two numbers are both negatives, two negatives multiplied become a positive. Then we multiply by positives so it does not change, stays positive.