How can you represent −5⋅−4

Question

with a model?(1 point)
Responses

−5+−5+−5+−5
negative 5 plus negative 5 plus negative 5 plus negative 5

−(−4+−4+−4+−4+−4)
negative left parenthesis negative 4 plus negative 4 plus negative 4 plus negative 4 plus negative 4 right parenthesis

4+4+4+4+4
4 plus 4 plus 4 plus 4 plus 4

5⋅4

Answer 1

To represent \(-5 \cdot -4\) with a model, we can use a visual or numerical approach that captures the concept of multiplying two negative numbers.

One way to think about it is to consider the idea that multiplying a negative number by another negative number results in a positive number.

Out of the options given, the correct interpretation would be:

\(5 \cdot 4\)

This option implies that since we have \(-5 \cdot -4\), this is equivalent to \(5 \cdot 4\). The reasoning behind this is that multiplying two negatives yields a positive. Thus, you can represent \(-5 \cdot -4\) as \(5 \cdot 4\).

Creating a model with positive quantities helps visualize that \(-5 \cdot -4\) ultimately equates to \(20\) (the result of \(5 \cdot 4\)).

If you had to explain this further, you could use a number line or counters to represent moving in the opposite direction for negative values, showing how two negatives combine to give you a positive outcome.

If you want a more visual or physical representation, consider using objects to show addition of groups in both the case of positive and negative multiplication. However, inherently, choosing \(5 \cdot 4\) effectively conveys the principle at play here.