Listen. What number is equivalent to this statement? Add $-12+20$, then divide the sum by -4.
A. -8
B. -2
C. 8
D. 2
Answer (1)
Add − 12 and 20 to get 8 .
Divide the result, 8 , by − 4 .
The final result is − 2 .
Therefore, the number equivalent to the statement is − 2 .
Explanation
Understanding the problem We need to find the number that is equivalent to adding − 12 and 20 , and then dividing the result by − 4 .
Adding the numbers First, let's add − 12 and 20 :
− 12 + 20 = 8
Dividing the sum Now, let's divide the sum, which is 8 , by − 4 :
− 4 8 = − 2
Final Answer Therefore, the number equivalent to the statement is − 2 .
Examples
This type of calculation is useful in everyday situations such as calculating average temperatures or understanding financial gains and losses. For example, if you had a debt of $12 and then earned $20, your net worth would be $8. If you then split this evenly with 4 other people (represented by dividing by -4 since it's a debt), each person would owe $2.
