Answer:
a. This conjecture is true. For example, (7)(4) = 28. The product of 28 is greater than 7 and greater than 4
b. This conjecture is false. There is a counterexample that would prove this conjecture false.
Explanation:
The conjecture is true because, if we multiply two numbers, then their product is greater than either number. As given in the example, 7 × 4 = 28. 28 is greater than both 7 and 4.
Also, if we multiplied a fraction by a whole number, the result would be less than one of the numbers. For example 1/2 × 4 = 2. 2 is greater than 1/2 but not 4. So, the conjecture is false.
If we multiply two fractions, the result is less than both fractions. For example 1/2 × 1/4 = 1/8. 1/8 is less than both 1/2 and 1/4. So, the conjecture is false.
The precious two examples show that there are counterexamples which prove that the conjecture is false although it is true sometimes.