SOLUTION: pre-algebra operations with positive and negative fractions. multiply. -3/4x2/5-1/8. in working the problem i did the multiplication first. -3/4x2/5 to get -3/2x1/5 then -3times1

Question 125730This question is from textbook pre-algebra DeMystified
: pre-algebra operations with positive and negative fractions. multiply. -3/4x2/5-1/8. in working the problem i did the multiplication first. -3/4x2/5 to get -3/2x1/5 then -3times1=-3 then two times five = 10 for an answer of -3/10-1/8=3/80. wrong answer. the book states -17/40 as the answer. I worked the problem again and got 7/40. this is as close as i can get to -17/40. why is this a negative number and how is the answer 17/40 and not 7/40? please help !!! thanks stumped..... This question is from textbook pre-algebra DeMystified

Answer by scott8148(6628) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
-3/10-1/8 is correct, but it does NOT equal 3/80 __ the second minus sign means subtraction
__ not multiplication by a negative quantity

-3/10 minus 1/8 __ -12/40 minus 5/40
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