Question

danika runs an adoption shelter for dogs. she adopts out twenty - four dogs over a three - day weekend to new homes.
the following equation is written to represent the situation: $-24div3=-8$.
which of the following best explains the meaning of $-8$ in the equation?
a the total dog population in the shelter decreased by a total of 8 dogs over the three - day weekend.
b the dog population in the shelter increased by an average of 8 dogs each day of the three - day weekend.
c the dog population in the shelter decreased by an average of 8 dogs each day of the three - day weekend.
d the dog population in the shelter is considered $-8$ because danika did not have enough dogs to adopt out to families over the three - day weekend.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the negative sign

The negative sign in \(-24\div3 = - 8\) indicates a decrease. Since \(24\) dogs were adopted out (a decrease in the shelter's dog population) over \(3\) days.

Step2: Analyze the division result

The division \(\frac{-24}{3}=-8\) means that on average, each day there was a change. The \(24\) (total decrease) divided by \(3\) (number of days) gives the average change per day.

Answer:

C. The dog population in the shelter decreased by an average of 8 dogs each day of the three - day weekend.