Question

Write all the division problems that will have a negative quotient using two fractions from

this list 1.4.-3.Then evaluate one of your problems. What number must be in all of your
25
problems? Why?
8

Answer 1

• (-1/2)/(4/5), (-3/8)/(4/5), (4/5)/(-1/2), (4/5)/(-3/8)
• (-1/2)/(4/5) = -5/8
• signs must differ; there is only one positive number

Explanation:

a) 4/5 must be paired with either of the other two numbers, either as the numerator or as the denominator. Consequently, there are 4 possible division problems with a negative quotient.

(-1/2)/(4/5), (-3/8)/(4/5), (4/5)/(-1/2), (4/5)/(-3/8)

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b) the result of the first problem is

(-1/2)/(4/5) = (-1/2)(5/4) = -5/(2·4) = -5/8

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c) in order for the quotient to be negative the signs of the numerator and denominator must be different. There is only one positive number to choose from (4/5), so it must appear in every expression.