Solution a) 5 12 3 4 5 12 4 3 Multiply by the reciprocal. 5 12 3 4 1 3 Divide 12 and 4 by 4. 5 9 Multiply. b) 7 8 5 6 The fraction bar represents division. 7 8 5 6 7 8 a 5 6 b Write as a division problem. 7 8 a 6 5 b Multiply by the reciprocal. 7 84 a 6 3 5 b Divide 8 and 6 by 2. 21 20 or 1 1 20 The product of two negative numbers is positive. YOU TRY 4 Divide. a) 5 18 a 15 16 b b) 1 6 2 3 4 Write Equivalent Forms of a Negative Fraction When a fraction is negative, the negative sign is usually written in front of the fraction. However, we can write other, equivalent forms if we know how to work with the negative sign. Write two equivalent forms of each fraction by moving its negative sign. a) 4 5 b) 1 2 Solution a) Remember that the quotient of two numbers with different signs is negative. The negative sign can also be written in the numerator or in the denominator, but not in both at the same time. Therefore, 4 5 4 5 because negative number positive number negative number, EXAMPLE 5 744 CHAPTER 10 Signed Numbers www.mhhe.com/messersmith
messersmith_power_basic_college_1e_ch4_7_10
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