3.1 Solve and simplify the below problems:
(a)

To solve , we multiply the absolute values first: . Since one of the numbers is negative, the product will also be negative. Thus, the answer is !

Now, let’s think about real-world application: if you’re calculating a loss of $56 for each of the 13 days, you’d be looking at a total loss of $728! Remember, multiplying a positive by a negative gives you that crucial negative sign, just like in life—good with the bad, right?