The current price of a non$-$dividend$-$paying stock is $$37\mathrm{.}78.$ Over the next year it is expected to rise to $$52\mathrm{.}97$ or fall to $$26\mathrm{.}99.$ An investor buys a

one$-$year put option, with a strike price of $$44\mathrm{.}99.$ In order to hedge the option position, how many shares should the investor buy or sell?

Hint: It is possible to buy or sell a fraction of one share. Please state a positive number to indicate a long position in the stock, and a negative

number to indicate a short position.