Question

How is the product of 2 and –5 shown using integer tiles? 2 positive tiles and 5 negative tiles. 2 negative tiles and 5 positive tiles. 5 negative tiles and 5 negative tiles. 5 positive tiles and 5 positive tiles.

Answer 1

So lets say the negative tiles are red and the poiitive tiles are yellow.

Now for the first one

2*-5

That would be shown with two groups of fives with red tiles

Now we know its -10 be used if you count it up, its 10 negatives red tiles

-2*5

So 5 groups of 2 red tiles and if you count it all up, you’ll get -10

-5*-5

So 5 groups of -5 tiles

You’d get -25

But thats not the answer

I have no clue to show this but i guess you just have to know that negative *negative is positive so just switch the signs

25

5*5

Just make 5 groups of 5 yellow tiles and count them up, you’ll get 25

Answer 2

5 negative tiles and 5 negative tiles

Explanation:

When multiplying a positive number by a negative number, the product is always negative.

This can be visualized using integer tiles: