Final answer:
In the expression 9 - 12, there are indeed zero pairs, as 9 positives can be paired with 9 negatives, leaving an imbalance of 3 negatives. Therefore, the answer is B) No zero pairs.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the expression 9−12, we have a subtraction operation involving two integers: 9 and 12.
When evaluating this expression, we can think of it as a situation where we start with a value of 9 and subtract 12. However, there are no zero pairs in this expression.
Zero pairs occur when positive and negative numbers of equal value cancel each other out. For instance, in an expression like
5−5 or 7+(−7), there is a zero pair because a positive and negative number of equal magnitude combine to give zero.
In the case of 9−12, there are no pairs of numbers of equal magnitude but opposite signs that can sum up to zero. Therefore, in the expression
9−12, there are no zero pairs.
Therefore, the correct answer is B) No zero pairs.