Thread: brackets

hi i need to know how to work this question out, (-3) X (-4)
would it just be -3 X -4 = 12

Originally Posted by andyboy179

hi i need to know how to work this question out, (-3) X (-4)
would it just be -3 X -4 = 12

You are correct. With parentheses, you really do not need to use the 'X' to represent multiplication.

Originally Posted by masters

You are correct. With parentheses, you really do not need to use the 'X' to represent multiplication.

so just to make sure 2 x (-3) is a x -3

and 24/ (-8) is 24/ -8

Originally Posted by andyboy179

so just to make sure 2 x (-3) is a x -3

I'm not sure what you mean by "a x -3". Certainly that say "2 times -3" which is -6.

and 24/ (-8) is 24/ -8

Yes. and, of course, 24/(-8)= -3. Some people would object to "24/-8" on the grounds that it looks like you have two operations (division: /) and (subtraction: -) without a number between them.

Originally Posted by HallsofIvy

I'm not sure what you mean by "a x -3". Certainly that say "2 times -3" which is -6.


Yes. and, of course, 24/(-8)= -3. Some people would object to "24/-8" on the grounds that it looks like you have two operations (division: /) and (subtraction: -) without a number between them.

sorry i did mean 2 x -3, i don't know how i got a x -3