Question

Use properties of rational numbers to multipy the following -3.5 x (-20.7)

A. -7.245
B. -72.45
C. 72.45
D. 7.245

Answer 1

To multiply the numbers -3.5 and -20.7, we can first look at the absolute values of the numbers and then determine the sign of the product.

1. The absolute values are:
- | -3.5 | = 3.5
- | -20.7 | = 20.7

2. Now, we multiply the absolute values:
\[
3.5 \times 20.7 = 72.45
\]

3. Since we are multiplying two negative numbers (-3.5 and -20.7), the product will be positive.

Thus, the product is:
\[
-3.5 \times (-20.7) = 72.45
\]

The correct answer is:
**C. 72.45**