How do you multiply negative numbers

Here we will learn about multiplying and dividing negative numbers including what negative numbers are and how to multiply and divide them. Numbers greater than zero are referred to as positive numbers. If there is no sign in front of a number the number is positive. On the number line below we can see some positive and negative integers whole numbers :.

You also have to pay attention to the signs when you multiply and divide. There are two simple rules to remember:. When you multiply two negative numbers or two positive numbers then the product is always positive. This is similar to the rule for adding and subtracting: two minus signs become a plus, while a plus and a minus become a minus. In multiplication and division, however, you calculate the result as if there were no minus signs and then look at the signs to determine whether your result is positive or negative. Two quick multiplication examples:.

How do you multiply negative numbers

When multiplying negative numbers, we get a negative answer if there are an odd number of negative numbers being multiplied. We get a positive answer if there are an even number of negative numbers being multiplied. When multiplying a negative number an odd number of times, the answer is negative. When multiplying a negative number an even number of times, the answer is positive. Order of operations also applies: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction, from left to right. First, we multiply —4 and 2. Two odd numbers multiplied always result in an even number. Simply multiple the two as though they were even. If you've found an issue with this question, please let us know. With the help of the community we can continue to improve our educational resources. If Varsity Tutors takes action in response to an Infringement Notice, it will make a good faith attempt to contact the party that made such content available by means of the most recent email address, if any, provided by such party to Varsity Tutors. Your Infringement Notice may be forwarded to the party that made the content available or to third parties such as ChillingEffects. Thus, if you are not sure content located on or linked-to by the Website infringes your copyright, you should consider first contacting an attorney.

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When you are multiplying a negative number and a negative number, the product will be a positive number. There are slightly different rules for multiplying positive and negative numbers together. It depends whether you have two of one type of number, or one of each. Here we'll focus on when we multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers will result in a positive number. This is because the negative numbers cancel each other out through factoring.

How do you multiply negative numbers

Here we will learn about multiplying and dividing negative numbers including what negative numbers are and how to multiply and divide them. Numbers greater than zero are referred to as positive numbers. If there is no sign in front of a number the number is positive. On the number line below we can see some positive and negative integers whole numbers :. Just like you can multiply and divide positive numbers, you can do the same with negative numbers. Click here to learn about adding and subtracting negative numbers. Includes reasoning and applied questions on multiplying and dividing negative numbers.

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What was the temperature in the North Pole? When you divide a positive number by a negative number then the quotient is also negative. What is the product of the highest and lowest temperatures? We can conclude that:. This topic is relevant for:. Learning checklist You have now learned how to: Multiply and divide integers both positive and negative Use negative numbers in context and calculate intervals across 0. Pre-Algebra More about the four rules of arithmetic Overview Integers and rational numbers Learn how to estimate calculations Calculating with decimals and fractions Geometric sequences of numbers Scientific notation. Copyright Notice. Company name. Pre-Algebra Graphing and functions Overview Linear equations in the coordinate plane The slope of a linear function Graphing linear inequalities Solve systems of equations by graphing.

When multiplying negative numbers it is often useful to complete the calculation using positive numbers initially. Then remember that:. Start by completing the calculation using positive numbers first, then use the sign rules to find the sign of the answer.

Report an Error. Fatima Certified Tutor. Simply multiple the two as though they were even. How to multiply and divide negative numbers. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The calculation becomes -2 — — If you've found an issue with this question, please let us know. Two quick multiplication examples:. Possible Answers:. Explanation : Two odd numbers multiplied always result in an even number. Multiplying and dividing negative numbers worksheet. So the answer is positive 2. Explanation : Multiplying a negative and a positive number creates a negative product:. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies.