Question

Which of the following has the greatest value?

• A. $-20\times 98$
• B. 20+98
• C. $(-20)\times (-98)$
• D. -20+98

Answer 1

The correct option is C $(-20)\times (-98)$

• $-20\times 98$

Product of positive integer and negative integer is always negative. $-20\times 98=-(20\times 98)=-1960$

• 20 + 98

Sum of positive integer and positive integer is always positive
$$20+98=118$$

• $-20\times -98$

Product of negative integer and negative integer is always positive.
$-20\times -98=+(20\times 98)=+1960$

• - 20 + 98 = 78

So, $-20\times -98$ is the greatest among the given options.