Algebra Question

Question

The problem is -20 / (-2 1/2). You convert the equation into a fraction, -20/5/2. The bottom two numbers switch, and the middle number is multiplied by the top number, resulting in -40/5. That fraction needs to be converted into a whole number, but in the step-by-step instructions on Symbolab it goes straight from -40/5 to -(-40/5) to 8. Where did the extra negative come from? Thanks.

N.B. On every other calculator including Google the answer is 8, so I must have done something wrong.

Answer 1

Your initial stating of the question is " -20 / (-2 1/2)." There are your two negative signs--you started eliminating one immediately after.

So:

-20 / (-2 1/2)

= -20 / -5 / 2

= -40 / -5

=8

Answer 2

I do not know.

-40 / 5

-8(5) / 5

-8

NB: Software programs can have errors!