Multiply positive and negative integers
The idea
Multiply the absolute values to find the product’s magnitude.
Step by step
- Multiply the absolute values to find the product’s magnitude.
- Two factors with the same sign have a positive product; different signs give a negative product.
- Check with repeated addition when one factor is positive, and use patterns to explain two negatives.
Example
Find (-3) × (4).
Answer
-12
Multiply the magnitudes: 3 × 4 = 12. Different signs give a negative product, -12.
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Continue the products 3 × 2, 3 × 1, 3 × 0, 3 × (−1), 3 × (−2). Explain the pattern.
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