Since The following operation is possible:
divide by
divide by
divide by
Choose an operation and do it 4 times. What is the smallest value that can be obtained after the operations?
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Since The following operation is possible:
divide by
divide by
divide by
Choose an operation and do it 4 times. What is the smallest value that can be obtained after the operations?
To solve this problem, let's compute the result for each operation performed four times on :
First, consider dividing by four times:
Next, consider dividing by four times:
Finally, consider dividing by four times:
Given that we are to choose the expression with the most negative result (i.e., reach the smallest value), re-evaluating, division by yields a positive large number (as a fourth power of negative), whereas dividing by provides the smallest negative number more effectively across realigned shifts. Re-examining the smallest negative amounts guides multiplicative strategy.
Upon refined operations and calculations, dividing consecutively through methodology discussions grants a final check leading to after accurate reassignment within simplifying dynamics.
Thus, the smallest value that can be obtained after performing one of these operations four times is .
Solve the following exercise:
\( (+6)\cdot(+9)= \)
When you divide by , you're actually multiplying by -8! Division by a fraction means multiply by its reciprocal, so the number grows larger.
Count the number of negative operations: even count = positive result, odd count = negative result. Four divisions by gives a positive result!
You want the most negative result. Compare: (positive), (positive), (positive), and (negative).
The problem allows you to mix operations! You don't have to do the same operation four times. Try different combinations to find the truly smallest result.
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