J. Thomas F. answered • 09/27/19
Tutor
5.0
(124)
Pre-Algebra, where teaching is learning.
Assume that Jack owes $8 to 5 people. Debt would be negative, so $40 (5(-8)) would be owed. The starting point then is -$40.00. Now assume that all five persons forgave the debt. There would be 5 fewer debts. Now Jack owes zero. (-5)(-$8) = $40. -$40 + $40 = 0. Jack is $40 better off, and in the same place as if a friend had given him $40 to pay the debts.
