# Math Help - Simplify -4/3(-3/8)

1. ## Simplify -4/3(-3/8)

$-4/3 (-3/8)$

need it to be broken down!

2. ## Re: Can't solve it?!

Originally Posted by HellBunny
$-4/3 (-3/8)$

need it to be broken down!
$-\frac{4}{3} \cdot -\frac{3}{8} = +\frac{4 \cdot 3}{3 \cdot 8} = \frac{4}{8} \cdot \frac{3}{3} = \frac{1}{2} \cdot 1 = \frac{1}{2}$

3. ## Re: Can't solve it?!

I have no idea what just happened.

4. ## Re: Can't solve it?!

Originally Posted by HellBunny
I have no idea what just happened.
And we have no idea what you mean by that.

Post #2 assumed quite reasonably that -4/3(-3/8) means $-\frac{4}{3} \times -\frac{3}{8}$. If that is NOT what you meant, then I suggest you post the expression in such a way that it is not ambiguous.

eg. is it meant to be $\frac{-4}{3\left(-\frac{3}{8}\right)}$

5. ## Re: Can't solve it?!

Originally Posted by HellBunny
I have no idea what just happened.
Example: (a/b) times (c/d) = (ac) / (bd): are you saying you don't understand that?

6. ## Re: Simplify -4/3(-3/8)

No, I don't understand. Type exactly why you did what you did. I may get a better understanding of why you've done that. I've asked for it to be broken down (as if you're showing direction on how to do laundry)but all you did was work out the problem, I'm grateful for that, but give me words.

7. ## Re: Simplify -4/3(-3/8)

Originally Posted by HellBunny
No, I don't understand. Type exactly why you did what you did. I may get a better understanding of why you've done that. I've asked for it to be broken down (as if you're showing direction on how to do laundry)but all you did was work out the problem, I'm grateful for that, but give me words.
It might be best for you to get one-on-one help from your teacher if this thread has not helped you.