Question

Mark the correct alternatives in each of the following:

Which of the following is correct?

(a) −12 > −9 (b) −12 < −9 (c) (−12) + 9 > 0 (d) (−12) × 9 > 0

Answer 1

We know that if a and b are two negative integers, then the integer with greater absolute value is less than the integer with smaller absolute value.

Absolute value of −12 = | −12 | = 12

Absolute value of −9 = | −9 | = 9

∴ −12 < −9

Also,

(−12) + 9 = −3 < 0

and (−12) × 9 = −(12 × 9) = −108 < 0

Hence, the correct answer is option (b).