There are two simple rules to remember: When you multiply a negative number by a positive number then the product is always negative. When you multiply two negative numbers or two positive numbers then the product is always positive. 3 times 4 equals 12.
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Subsequently, one may also ask, how do you multiply and divide negative numbers?
The multiply/divide sign rule:
- If the 2 numbers you are multiplying or dividing. have the SAME sign (+,+ or -,-) then the result is POSITIVE.
- If the 2 numbers you are multiplying or dividing. have DIFFERENT signs (+,- or -,+) then the result is NEGATIVE.
Also Know, how do you divide negative numbers? The rule for multiplying and dividing is very similar to the rule for adding and subtracting.
- When the signs are different the answer is negative.
- When the signs are the same the answer is positive.
In respect to this, what is a negative number multiplied by a negative number?
Rule 3: A negative number times a negative number gives you a positive number. Example 3: This is also new—and doesn't seem to make much sense, but it is a rule we have to follow when multiplying negative numbers together. So, for example, we may have the problem -3 x -4.
What are the rules for adding positive and negative numbers?
Two signs
- When adding positive numbers, count to the right.
- When adding negative numbers, count to the left.
- When subtracting positive numbers, count to the left.
- When subtracting negative numbers, count to the right.
Related Question Answers
Do 3 negatives equal a positive?
Rule 3: A negative number times a negative number, equals a positive number. -2 x -4 are both negative, so we know the answer is going to be positive.
Why do two negatives make a positive?
This is in fact the reason why the negative numbers were introduced: so that each positive number would have an additive inverse. The fact that the product of two negatives is a positive is therefore related to the fact that the inverse of the inverse of a positive number is that positive number back again.