`(-5) {20-(-2)xx(-8)}=` ?

Options

A. 180
B. 20
C. -20
D. -180

Answer

To solve the expression \((-5) \{20 - (-2) \times (-8)\}\), we will follow the order of operations, often remembered by the acronym BODMAS (Brackets, Orders, Division and Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction).

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the expression**:
\[ (-5) \{20 - (-2) \times (-8)\} \]

2. **Solve the multiplication inside the brackets first**:
\[ -2 \times -8 = 16 \]
(Multiplying two negative numbers gives a positive result.)

3. **Substitute the result back into the expression**:
\[ (-5) \{20 - 16\} \]

4. **Now, perform the subtraction inside the brackets**:
\[ 20 - 16 = 4 \]

5. **Substitute this result back into the expression**:
\[ (-5) \times 4 \]

6. **Finally, perform the multiplication**:
\[ -5 \times 4 = -20 \]

### Final Answer:
\[ (-5) \{20 - (-2) \times (-8)\} = -20 \]