Question

Which expression has a value of –4?

$\begin{array}{l}a.-(-4)\\ b.|-4|\\ c.\left|4\right|\\ d.-\left|4\right|\end{array}$

Short answer

The expression which has the value –4 is $-\left|4\right|$.

Step-by-step solution

Step-1 – Concept of variable expression

A variable expression or algebraic expression consists of one or more terms including variables and numbers that are connected by algebraic operations $+,-,\times ,÷$.

Step-2 – Evaluate the values

The value of the expression $-\left(-4\right)$is 4, because the product two similar signs is always positive.

The value of the expression $\left|-4\right|$is 4, because the absolute value of any number is always equal to the positive magnitude of that number.

The value of the expression $\left|4\right|$ is 4, because the absolute value of any number is always equal to the positive magnitude of that number.

The value of the expression $-\left|4\right|$ is –4, because the negative sign is outside the absolute value sign.

Step-3 – Conclusion

Thus, the expression which has a value of –4 is $-\left|4\right|$.

Hence, option (d) is correct.