Question

a, 2a, 4a, 8a
If a < 0, which of the four numbers above is the greatest?
A. a
B. 2a
C. 4a
D. 8a
E. It cannot be determined from the information given.

Thanks!
My initial hunch is E. Is that right?

Answer 1

E

Answer 2

if a was an integer, we could say the answer is A

Answer 3

The question did not state that a is an integer, so E would be the best answer?

Answer 4

for instance let a=-1/2
2a=2*-1/2=-1
a>2a
let's think some more let a=-5/2
then 2a=2*-5/2=-5
a>2a

wait math can you think of a counterexample

Answer 5

lets see if we can think of a counterexample

Answer 6

math might be right

Answer 7

I think A is correct now
I can't think of a counterexample to what i said

Answer 8

math say something so i can give you a medal

Answer 9

Same here, I can't think of any either. Thanks Myiniaya!

Answer 10

so the answer is a

Answer 11

i think so i can't think of anything that proves you wrong

Answer 12

i don't know what i was thinking
i think i got this confused with a more confusing question that i seen before
and i thought it was a trick

Answer 13

@Myiniaya: Me too.
Thanks so much to both of you! :D

Answer 14

np