Select the correct answer.

The product of two numbers is 21. If the first number is -3, which equation represents this situation and what is the second number?

A. The equation that represents this situation is [tex]-3x = 21[/tex]. The second number is -7.
B. The equation that represents this situation is [tex]3x = 21[/tex]. The second number is 7.
C. The equation that represents this situation is [tex]x - 3 = 21[/tex]. The second number is 24.
D. The equation that represents this situation is [tex]-3 + x = 21[/tex]. The second number is 18.



Answer :

To determine the correct answer, let’s break down the problem step-by-step.

Given:
- The product of two numbers is 21.
- The first number is -3.

We need to:
1. Find the equation that represents this situation.
2. Determine the second number.

Step 1: Setting up the equation.

Since the product of the first number (-3) and the second number (let's call it x) is given to be 21, we can set up the equation:

[tex]\[ -3 \times x = 21 \][/tex]

Step 2: Solving for x.

To solve for x, we need to isolate x on one side of the equation. We do this by dividing both sides of the equation by -3:

[tex]\[ x = \frac{21}{-3} \][/tex]

Calculating the division:

[tex]\[ x = -7 \][/tex]

So, the second number is -7.

Therefore:
- The correct equation representing the situation is [tex]\(-3x = 21\)[/tex].
- The second number is [tex]\(-7\)[/tex].

Hence, the correct answer is:
C. The equation that represents this situation is [tex]\( -3 x = 21 \)[/tex]. The second number is -7.