Using proportions, it is found that the signed number -15 represents the team's total loss of yards on the 3 plays.
A proportion is a fraction of a total amount, and the measures are related using a rule of three.
In this problem, in one play, the team lost 5 years, that is, the amount is -5. What is the amount on three plays? The rule of three is given by:
1 play - -5 yards
3 plays - n yards
Applying cross multiplication:
n = 3 x (-5) = -15.
The signed number -15 represents the team's total loss of yards on the 3 plays.
More can be learned about proportions at https://brainly.com/question/24372153