Evaluate 4(-9 1/8)

$4 (- 9 \frac{1}{8})$

Step 1

Convert $9 \frac{1}{8}$ to an improper fraction.

A mixed number is an addition of its whole and fractional parts.

$4 (- (9 + \frac{1}{8}))$

Add $9$ and $\frac{1}{8}$ .

To write $9$ as a fraction with a common denominator, multiply by $\frac{8}{8}$ .

$4 (- (9 \cdot \frac{8}{8} + \frac{1}{8}))$

Combine $9$ and $\frac{8}{8}$ .

$4 (- (\frac{9 \cdot 8}{8} + \frac{1}{8}))$

Combine the numerators over the common denominator.

$4 (- \frac{9 \cdot 8 + 1}{8})$

Simplify the numerator.

Multiply $9$ by $8$ .

$4 (- \frac{72 + 1}{8})$

Add $72$ and $1$ .

$4 (- \frac{73}{8})$

Step 2

Cancel the common factor of $4$ .

Move the leading negative in $- \frac{73}{8}$ into the numerator.

$4 (\frac{- 73}{8})$

Factor $4$ out of $8$ .

$4 \frac{- 73}{4 (2)}$

Cancel the common factor.

$4 \frac{- 73}{4 \cdot 2}$

Rewrite the expression.

$\frac{- 73}{2}$

Step 3

Move the negative in front of the fraction.

$- \frac{73}{2}$

Step 4

The result can be shown in multiple forms.

Exact Form:

$- \frac{73}{2}$

Decimal Form:

$- 36.5$

Mixed Number Form:

$- 36 \frac{1}{2}$