a and b are negative numbers.
a - b is a negative number.
Choose the correct answer.
To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:
- Step 1: Identify and understand the condition a−b<0.
- Step 2: Evaluate each option where both numbers are negative.
- Step 3: Check to see which one yields a negative result for a−b.
Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: The problem gives us a and b are negative numbers, and a−b must also be negative, meaning a<b.
Step 2: Examine the given choices:
- Choice 1: a=−5,b=5: Since b is positive, this pair doesn't meet the condition.
- Choice 2: a=−5,b=−6: Calculate a−b=−5−(−6)=−5+6=1, which is positive.
- Choice 3: a=−3,b=−1: Calculate a−b=−3−(−1)=−3+1=−2, which is negative.
- Choice 4: a=−3,b=−4: Calculate a−b=−3−(−4)=−3+4=1, which is positive.
Step 3: Based on calculations above, the only pair that results in a negative a−b is Choice 3: a=−3,b=−1. Therefore, a=−3,b=−1 is the correct answer.
a=−3,b=−1