Chapter 1.7, Problem 24E

To determine

To describe and correct : the error in multiplying $-5$ and $-12$ , then dividing by $-4$ .

Answer to Problem 24E

The correct answer is $-15$ .

Explanation of Solution

Given information :

Consider, the expression provided in the question,

  $\frac{-5\left(-12\right)}{-4}=\frac{-60}{-4}=15$

Calculation :

The product of two integers with same signs is positive. Therefore,

  $\frac{-5\left(-12\right)}{-4}=\frac{60}{-4}$

Now, the quotient of two integers with different signs is negative. Therefore,

  $\begin{array}{l}\frac{-5\left(-12\right)}{-4}=\frac{60}{-4}\\ \frac{-5\left(-12\right)}{-4}=-15\end{array}$

Hence,

The correct answer is $-15$ .