Numbers & Operations
Multiplying Numbers
When multiplying two numbers: same signs give a positive result, different signs give a negative result.
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Worked Examples
Follow along with these step-by-step examples. Take your time — there's no rush!
Problem
Calculate: (−4) × 5
Step-by-Step Solution
The signs are different (negative × positive).
Multiply the absolute values: 4 × 5 = 20.
Different signs → negative answer.
Answer
−20
Problem
Calculate: (−6) × (−3)
Step-by-Step Solution
The signs are the same (negative × negative).
Multiply the absolute values: 6 × 3 = 18.
Same signs → positive answer.
Answer
18
Problem
Calculate: (−2) × (−3) × (−1)
Step-by-Step Solution
Work left to right: (−2) × (−3) = 6 (same signs → positive)
Then: 6 × (−1) = −6 (different signs → negative)
Answer
−6
Problem
Calculate: 7 × (−8)
Step-by-Step Solution
Different signs (positive × negative).
Multiply absolute values: 7 × 8 = 56.
Different signs → negative.
Answer
−56
Problem
Calculate: (−9) × (−9)
Step-by-Step Solution
Same signs (negative × negative).
Multiply absolute values: 9 × 9 = 81.
Same signs → positive.
Answer
81
Your Turn — Practice Problems
Try all 5 problems on your own first. Write out your work — that's how it sticks!
💡 Tip: Don't peek at the answers until you've genuinely tried each one.
(−7) × 3
(−5) × (−4)
8 × (−2)
(−1) × (−1) × (−1)
(−9) × 0
(−6) × (−6)
4 × (−11)
(−3) × (−3) × 2
(−1) × 15
(−2) × (−5) × (−1)
(−8) × 7
(−10) × (−10)
Finished all 12? Give yourself a pat on the back — then check your work!
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