Question

evaluate each expression:
a. $2 \cdot (-4) \cdot 5$
b. $2 \cdot (-4) \cdot (-5)$
c. $(-2) \cdot (-4) \cdot (-5.2)$

Explanation:

Part a:

Step1: Multiply 2 and -4

Multiply the first two numbers: \(2 \cdot (-4) = -8\)

Step2: Multiply the result by 5

Now multiply -8 by 5: \(-8 \cdot 5 = -40\)

Part b:

Step1: Multiply 2 and -4

First, calculate \(2 \cdot (-4) = -8\)

Step2: Multiply by -5

Then multiply -8 by -5: \(-8 \cdot (-5) = 40\) (since the product of two negative numbers is positive)

Part c:

Step1: Multiply -2 and -4

First, multiply the first two negative numbers: \((-2) \cdot (-4) = 8\) (product of two negatives is positive)

Step2: Multiply by -5.2

Now multiply 8 by -5.2: \(8 \cdot (-5.2) = -41.6\) (product of a positive and a negative is negative)

Answer:

a. \(-40\)
b. \(40\)
c. \(-41.6\)