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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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16y ago

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