What is the product in lowest terms?
-8/9 x 5/6=

A.
–1

B. -13/15

C. -20/27

D. -1/5

Question

What is the product in lowest terms? 
 -8/9 x 5/6=
 
 
 A.
–1  
 
 B. -13/15
 
 
 C. -20/27
 
 
 D. -1/5

anonymous · Answer

please explain!

tkhunny · Answer

Well, do it.  It might help to shuffle a bit.  $-\dfrac{8}{9}\cdot\dfrac{5}{6} = -\dfrac{8}{6}\cdot\dfrac{5}{9}$.  What happened and why might that help?

anonymous · Answer

I'm not sure @tkhunny

tkhunny · Answer

8 and 6 have a common factor.  Find it and remove it.

anonymous · Answer

2 is the common factor.

tkhunny · Answer

That's good.  Now reduce the fraction by that common factor.

anonymous · Answer

4/3 @tkhunny

tkhunny · Answer

That's the spirit.  You are now ready to multiply and you will already have the multiplied form in lowest terms.  If you do the simplification FIRST, you won't have to do it later.  Go!

anonymous · Answer

so what do I do next, i'm sorry I am bad at this >.< @tkhunny

tkhunny · Answer

It is just multiplying fractions.  Multiply numerators and multiply denominators.  You'll be done in no time.  Don't forget the negative sign.