Question

Ivan and Polina have each drawn a conclusion about multiplying negative fractions. Ivan: The product of an even number of negative fractions is always positive. Polina: The product of an odd number of negative fractions is always negative. Whose conclusion is correct?

Answer 1

both of them

Explanation:

Answer 2

Both conclusions are correct

Explanation:

Ivan: The product of an even number of negative fractions is always positive.

When even numbers of same negative fractions are multiplied together, the product is positive.

For instance: -1 × -1

Since the total numbers to be multiplied are even (two -1), the product becomes +1

Ivan's conclusion is correct.

Polina: The product of an odd number of negative fractions is always negative.

When odd numbers of same negative fractions are multiplied together, the product is negative.

For instance: -1 × -1 × -1 × -1 ×-1

Since the total numbers to be multiplied are odd (five -1), the product becomes -1

(-1 × -1) × (-1 × -1) ×-1

= +1 × +1 × -1

The multiplication of same sign gives positive value while the multiplication of two different signs gives a negative value

= +1 × -1

= -1

Polina's conclusion is correct

Both are correct.