[Nfbf-l] Anyone good at Math?

[Bill Outman]

Hi, Kathy.  

First, take the 3.9 times 2, as your example gives. That gives 7.8 in this
case. Since you have one negative and one positive number, the result is a
negative number, in this case -7.8.  In the case of both numbers being
positive the result is positive, that's what we deal with mostly in everyday
life.  Two negative numbers would also result in a positive product, despite
what your English teacher said about double negatives.  This is the rule of
thumb we learn in basic algebra.  

So the key is getting the product and then determining the appropriate sign.


I hope that was clear enough for you.  

Bill Outman 


-----Original Message-----
From: Nfbf-l [mailto:nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Kathy Roskos
Sent: Monday, October 22, 2012 9:37 AM
To: NFB of Florida Listserv
Subject: [Nfbf-l] Anyone good at Math?

I know this is out of the normal topics on this list, but I don't know where
else to try.  I am taking a statistics class and am totally, hopelessly
mathematically challenged.  I know there are smart people on this list, so I
figured I would reach out for help.

I am trying to multiply a negative number by a positive number.  I am trying
to find the solution to negative 3.9 times positive 2.  depending on how I
enter it into my dinosaur of a calculator, the answer comes out different.
I have come up with either negative 7.8 or negative 1.9. Don't know what I
am doing wrong, but it is driving me crazy, and it is vital to this
assignment that I get the calculations right.

Can anyone PLEASE help?

Kathy     
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