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Imagine the number line. Suppose on the left it starts -6, -5, -4, -3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3, etc.
Let's calculate 2 x (-3).
The expression -3 says starting at zero, go left 3 steps. The expression 2 x means do it twice.
Where do you finish? -6
If you see why you finish on the left side, you have your answer.
What about minus x minus. Let's calculate (-2) x (-3).
Again -3 says starting at zero go left 3 steps. The expression -2 x means, no, go the other way instead -- twice.
Where do you finish? +6. Minus x minus = plus.
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Minus multiplied by a plus?
Negative times positive equals negative.
Why is minus plus minus equal to a positive number?
A minus plus a minus is not necessarily positive. A minus multiplied by a minus is. The reason being that the minus of a minus is a positive. It's a double negative.
What is negative 7 times 7?
negative 49. This is because a minus multiplied by a plus is a minus.
Why minus multiplied minus is plus?
two negatives multiplied by each other would create a positive, since the two negatives cancel out each other
What does a plus and a minus make?
-- If they're being multiplied or divided, then they make a minus. -- If they're being added or subtracted, then they can make either a plus or a minus. It depends on which one is bigger.
