When I multiple two negative numbers together is my answer positive or negative?

My favourite way to remember whether my answer is positive or negative when I multiply two numbers is to think of the following:

a) If you multiply two numbers with the SAME sign (i.e. two positive numbers or two negative numbers) the result will be POSITIVE.

+  x  +  = +

-  x  -  =  +

b) If you multiple two numbers with OPPOSITE signs the result will be NEGATIVE. 

-  x  +  = +

+  x  -  =  + 

For example:

a)

6  x  2  = 12

-6  x -2  = 12

b)

-6  x  2  =  -12

6  x  -2  =  -12

Answered by Hannah S. Maths tutor

4141 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why is MC=MR at the profit maximizing level of output?


Find the opposite length of the triangle with hypotenuse length 5 and adjacent length 4.


How do you simplify the square root of 18 without using a calculator?


The perimeter of a right-angled triangle is 60cm. The lengths of its sides are in the ratio 3:4:5. Work out the area of the triangle.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences