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.

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.

How do you multiply negative 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:. Since there is one positive and one negative number, the product is negative Turning to division, you may recall that you can confirm the answer you get by multiplying the quotient by the denominator. If you answer is correct then the product of these two numbers should be the same as the numerator. For example,.

Correct answer: We can conclude that: When you divide a negative number by a positive number then the quotient is negative.

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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. This multiplication table includes both positive and negative numbers. Follow the pattern to see the effect of multiplying by negative numbers. When dividing negative numbers it is often useful to complete the calculation using positive numbers initially. Remember that:. Multiplying or dividing two numbers together with the same sign gives a positive answer. If the two numbers have different signs , the answer is negative. Remember that negative numbers are sometimes written in brackets.

How do you multiply negative numbers

Last Updated: January 16, Fact Checked. This article was co-authored by Taylor Klein. She has worked in the education field for over 10 years, including eight years as a middle school Advanced Math Teacher. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 73, times. Negative numbers have a value of less than zero.

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But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Our Company. You also have to pay attention to the signs when you multiply and divide. Top Subjects. The temperature in Antarctica was 3 times as cold as it was in Greenland. 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. Necessary Necessary. Since there is one positive and one negative number, the product is negative 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. Example 1: multiplication of negative numbers Example 2: division of negative numbers Example 3: order of operations Example 4: powers Example 5: worded problem. Explain how to multiply and divide negative numbers in 2 steps. In order to check whether 4 is the correct answer, we multiply 3 the denominator by 4 the quotient :. If the signs are different, the answer is negative. Change the sign as necessary using the rules of multiplying and dividing negative numbers: If the signs are the same, the answer is positive.

As you know, multiplication is a mathematical operation that helps us combine groups of numbers or find the total when we have several equal groups.

Turning to division, you may recall that you can confirm the answer you get by multiplying the quotient by the denominator. Two quick multiplication examples:. There is an add sign in between so we must add the two numbers once we have dealt with the negatives. Fatima Certified Tutor. Explanation : Multiplying a negative number and another negative number makes the product positive. Track your scores, create tests, and take your learning to the next level! Change the sign using the rules of multiplying and dividing negative numbers: If the signs are the same, the answer is positive. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. When you raise a negative number to an odd exponent the resulting answer is negative. Please read our Cookies Policy for information on how we use cookies and how to manage or change your cookie settings. The next lessons are Factors, multiples and primes Fractions Decimals. The signs are different so the answer is negative.