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 the number of dogs in the shelter decreased. The value \(8\) is the average number of dogs by which the population decreased per day.

Answer:

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