Algebra Guide, Chapter 4 Pg. 95 Question 27

[lbadeski]

Hey, in this "check you skills" problem 27, I think the explanation is incorrect. It says in the book that the most negative ab can be is (less positive than 4) x (less negative than -2) = less negative than -8. However, where did they get the -2 from? The equation with the variable b in it is -2<b<-1. I believe the explanation should say that the most negative ab can be is (less positive than 4) x (less negative than -1) = less negative than -4.

Did anyone else see this or think that this explanation was incorrect? Thanks!

[tommywallach]

You're forgetting that if -2 < x, then x could be -1.99999999999999999999. If you multiplied that by 3.999999999999, you would get something JUST bigger than -8.

-t