What does the negative sign in f = –kx mean? a)the displacement is in the opposite direction.
b)the spring constant is small.
c)the force is opposite the displacement.
d)the velocity is slowing down.

-ve sign shows that the displacement is in the opposite direction.  

Explanation:

The Hooke's law states that the force acting on the spring is directly proportional the displacement. Mathematically, it is given by :

or

F = -kx

Where

k = spring constant

-ve sign shows that the restoring force acts opposite to that of displacement. Hence, the correct option is (a) "The displacement is in the opposite direction".

what is the actual question though?