Chapter R.9, Problem 1DE

To determine

To calculate: The quotient on solving the expression $-\frac{8}{4}$, if the division is possible.

Answer to Problem 1DE

Solution:

The quotient of the expression $-\frac{8}{4}$ is $\underset{\_}{-2}$.

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

The given expression is $-\frac{8}{4}$.

Formula Used:

The quotient $a÷b\text{ or }a/b$ where $b\ne 0$, is the unique real number c for which $a=b\cdot c$.

The rules for the sign on dividing are as below:

Step 1. If the signs of both the numbers are same, divide the absolute values and make the answer positive.

Step 2. If the signs of both the numbers are different, divide the absolute values and make the answer negative.

Calculation:

Consider the given expression that is $-\frac{8}{4}$.

Consider the absolute values and compute the unique real number c as below,

$8=4\cdot 2$

The unique real number is 2.

The sign will be negative, since the two numbers are of opposite signs.

Then the quotient is as below:

$-\frac{8}{4}=-2$

Because, $\left(-2\right)\left(4\right)=-8$.

Hence, the quotient of the expression $-\frac{8}{4}$ is $-2$.