Math Problem: Finding The Product Of Largest And Smallest Numbers

Alright, guys, let's dive into a cool little math problem! We've got a set of numbers, and our mission is to figure out the product of the biggest and smallest ones. This is a classic type of problem that tests your understanding of number values and how to work with both positive and negative integers. It's super straightforward, and I'll walk you through it step-by-step so you can totally nail it. We will go through the numbers, identify the biggest and smallest, and then multiply them. Sound good?

Understanding the Problem and Identifying the Numbers

First things first, let's break down the problem. We're given a set of numbers: -1, 8, -24, and 5. The core of this question is about comparing numbers, specifically identifying the maximum and minimum values. Remember, when dealing with positive and negative numbers, the rules are important! Positive numbers are always greater than negative numbers. And the further a negative number is from zero, the smaller it is. For example, -24 is much smaller than -1. Got it?

Now, let's look at our set again. We need to find the largest number. In this set, the biggest number is 8. Easy peasy, right? Next up, we need to find the smallest number. Here's where we pay attention to the negative numbers. Between -1 and -24, -24 is the smallest because it's further away from zero on the negative side. So, our smallest number is -24. Good job!

Finding the Largest Number

Okay, guys, let's zoom in on finding the biggest number in our set: -1, 8, -24, and 5. This is actually pretty straightforward. When you're looking for the largest number, you're basically searching for the number that's furthest to the right on the number line. That means the biggest, most positive number wins! In our set, we have a mix of positive and negative numbers, plus zero. Remember, positive numbers are always greater than negative numbers. So, any positive number will immediately be larger than any negative number. In our case, the positive numbers are 8 and 5. Comparing those two, 8 is the biggest because it's further up the number line than 5. Thus, the largest number in our set is 8. Easy, right?

Finding the Smallest Number

Alright, now that we've found the largest number, let's switch gears and find the smallest. This is where it gets a little trickier, but don't worry, I'll guide you through it! The smallest number in a set is the one that's furthest to the left on the number line. When we're dealing with both positive and negative numbers, the negative numbers play a key role. Remember, negative numbers are always smaller than positive numbers, and the further a negative number is from zero, the smaller it is. So, let's look at our set again: -1, 8, -24, and 5. We can immediately rule out 8 and 5, because those are positive and therefore bigger than any negative numbers. Now we're down to the negative numbers: -1 and -24. Comparing these two, -24 is smaller than -1 because it's further away from zero. So, the smallest number in our set is -24. High five!

Multiplying the Largest and Smallest Numbers

Now that we've identified the largest and smallest numbers, we're ready for the final step: multiplying them together! The largest number we found was 8, and the smallest was -24. To find the product, we simply multiply these two numbers.

So, it's 8 multiplied by -24. Remember your rules for multiplying positive and negative numbers. When you multiply a positive number by a negative number, the result is always negative. So, our answer will be negative.

Let's do the math: 8 * (-24) = -192.

Conclusion: The Answer

And there you have it, folks! We've successfully navigated the math problem. The product of the largest and smallest numbers in the set -1, 8, -24, and 5 is -192. So, the correct answer is A. Wasn't that fun?

I hope this step-by-step guide made everything clear. Keep practicing, and you'll become a math whiz in no time. If you have any questions, feel free to ask! Keep up the amazing work.

Tips for Similar Problems

Here are some tips to help you crush similar problems in the future:

• Always Understand the Basics: Make sure you're crystal clear on the concepts of positive and negative numbers, and how they relate to the number line.
• Take Your Time: Don't rush! Carefully analyze each number and compare them. It's better to be slow and accurate than fast and wrong.
• Check Your Work: Double-check your calculations, especially when dealing with negative numbers. A small mistake can lead to a wrong answer.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice, the easier it becomes. Do more problems like this to build your confidence and speed.
• Break It Down: If the problem seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. Identify the largest number, then the smallest, and then perform the multiplication.

Additional Resources

If you want to sharpen your math skills even further, here are some resources you can check out:

• Khan Academy: This website offers free lessons and practice exercises on various math topics, including integers and number properties.
• Mathway: This is a great online calculator that can help you with arithmetic, algebra, and other math problems. You can also get step-by-step solutions.
• Your Textbook: Your math textbook probably has a section on integers and number operations. Review the concepts and practice the examples.

Remember, math is all about understanding and practice. With a little effort, you can master these types of problems and excel in your math studies. Keep up the great work, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it!