Number properties

BTGmoderatorRO wrote:What is the least possible product of 5 different integers, each of which is between –5 and 5, inclusive?
A. –1600
B. –1450
C. –1200
D. –840
E. –600
OA is c

Hi, I am confused on how to set up the formula here, can any expert help :
Thanks

We want to create the smallest negative number possible. Thus, the smallest product would be:

-5 x 5 x 4 x -4 x -3 = -1200

Answer: C

Hi All,

We're asked for the LEAST possible product of 5 DIFFERENT integers, each of which is between -5 and 5, inclusive. From the answer choices, we can see that the correct answer is clearly going to be NEGATIVE, so we can think in terms of how to get that result AND have it be the 'most negative' answer possible.

Since we're taking the product of FIVE different numbers, we'll want an ODD number of negatives (so that the product will be negative) and we'll want to think in terms of the 'most extreme' numbers possible (since we want the product to be as far negative as possible). That product would be...

(-5)(-4)(-3)(5)(4) = (-60)(20) = -1200

Final Answer: C

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