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.
