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.

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.

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,. In order to check whether 4 is the correct answer, we multiply 3 the denominator by 4 the quotient :. For the denominator -3 to become the numerator , you would have to multiply it by 4, therefore the quotient is 4. So, the quotient of a negative and a positive number is negative and, correspondingly, the quotient of a positive and a negative number is also negative. We can conclude that:.

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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.

How do you multiply negative numbers

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. When we multiply, we're essentially adding a number to itself multiple times. Now, let's talk about multiplying positive numbers first. If you have two positive numbers, like 3 and 4, you can multiply them by adding 3, four times. But what happens when we multiply positive by negative numbers? When we multiply a positive number by a negative number, the result will be negative. Similarly, when we multiply a negative number by a positive number, the result will also be negative. The best way to explain this is to think of a numbers line. You have a negative number, so you are facing in the negative direction.

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Louis, MO Explanation : Two odd numbers multiplied always result in an even number. Still stuck? Please read our Cookies Policy for information on how we use cookies and how to manage or change your cookie settings. Subject optional. There are two simple rules to remember:. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. All courses. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. What do you need to remember when multiplying and dividing negative numbers? Pre-Algebra Discover fractions and factors Overview Monomials and adding or subtracting polynomials Powers and exponents Multiplying polynomials and binomials Factorization and prime numbers Finding the greatest common factor Finding the least common multiple. 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. Joshua Certified Tutor.

Last Updated: January 16, Fact Checked.

Numbers greater than zero are referred to as positive numbers. Still stuck? Sign In. 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. Please read our Cookies Policy for information on how we use cookies and how to manage or change your cookie settings. Report an issue with this question If you've found an issue with this question, please let us know. 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. Simply multiple the two as though they were even. Related lessons Multiplying and dividing negative numbers is part of our series of lessons to support revision on negative numbers.