Question

Explain how to determine whether a product(answer to a multiplication problem) will be positive or negative. Write in complete sentences

Answer 1

• when the signs of the two numbers being multiplied are the same, the product answer would be positive.

• And when the signs of the two numbers being multiplied are different, the product answer would be negative.

Explanation:

Whether a prdocut will be positive or negative really depends on the signs of the two numbers being multiplied.

In other words,

• when the signs of the two numbers being multiplied are the same, the product answer would be positive.

(positive number) × (positive number) = positive number

(negative number) × (negative number) = positive number

For example, when we multiply the positive numbers 3 and 4, the product will be positive.

i.e. 3 × 4 = 12

Also, when we multiply the negative numbers 3 and 4, the product will again be positive.

i.e. (-3) × (-4) = 12

• And when the signs of the two numbers being multiplied are different, the product answer would be negative.

(positive number) × (negative number) = negative number

For example, when we multiply the positive number 3 and negative number -4, the product will be negative.

i.e. (3) × (-4) = -12

I hope your concept is clear now.