How do you simplify #(20+4)div(-1)#?

1 Answer
Zor Shekhtman
Apr 17, 2015

Recall the definition of an operation of division:
The result of division of number #X# by number #Y# is such a number #Z# that, if multiplied by #Y#, produces #X#.

Based on this definition, the answer to this problem is #-24# because
#(-24)*(-1)=20+4#

Here are a few important logical steps to come up with this result.

  1. Operations in parenthesis are performed prior to others. Therefore, #((20+4))/(-1)# can be safely replaced with #24/(-1)#.

  2. #X/(-Y)=-X/Y# because #(-X/Y)*(-Y)=(X/Y)*Y=X#
    Therefore, #24/-1=-24#

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