Calculate (-4)×(-8): Multiplying Two Negative Integers

Q: Why does negative times negative equal positive?

Think of it like a double reversal. If you turn around twice, you're facing the same direction as before! Mathematically, $ (-1) \times (-1) = +1 $, so negative signs cancel out.

Q: How do I remember the sign rules for multiplication?

Use this pattern: Same signs = positive, Different signs = negative. So (+) × (+) = (+) and (-) × (-) = (+), but (+) × (-) = (-).

Q: What if I have more than two negative numbers?

Count the negative signs! If you have an even number of negatives, the result is positive. If you have an odd number of negatives, the result is negative.

Q: Should I multiply the numbers first or deal with signs first?

Either way works! Many students find it easier to multiply the absolute values first (4 × 8 = 32), then apply the sign rule (negative × negative = positive).

Q: Is this the same rule for division with negatives?

Yes! The sign rules are exactly the same for both multiplication and division: same signs give positive, different signs give negative.

Integer Multiplication with Negative Sign Rules

Complete the following exercise:

$(-4)\cdot(-8)=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:07 Negative times negative is always positive

00:16 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Complete the following exercise:

$(-4)\cdot(-8)=$

Step-by-step solution

Let's remember the rule:

$(-x)\times(-x)=+x$

Therefore, the sign of the exercise result will be positive:

$-4\times-8=+32$

Final Answer

$32$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Sign Rule: Negative times negative always equals positive
Technique: Multiply absolute values first: 4 × 8 = 32
Check: Two negative signs cancel out to give positive result ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Forgetting that two negatives make a positive
Don't treat (-4) × (-8) as negative because you see minus signs = -32! This ignores the fundamental rule that negative × negative = positive. Always remember two negative signs cancel each other out.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

What will be the sign of the result of the next exercise?

$(-2)\cdot(-4)=$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does negative times negative equal positive?

Think of it like a double reversal. If you turn around twice, you're facing the same direction as before! Mathematically, $(-1) \times (-1) = +1$ , so negative signs cancel out.

How do I remember the sign rules for multiplication?

Use this pattern: Same signs = positive, Different signs = negative. So (+) × (+) = (+) and (-) × (-) = (+), but (+) × (-) = (-).

What if I have more than two negative numbers?

Count the negative signs! If you have an even number of negatives, the result is positive. If you have an odd number of negatives, the result is negative.

Should I multiply the numbers first or deal with signs first?

Either way works! Many students find it easier to multiply the absolute values first (4 × 8 = 32), then apply the sign rule (negative × negative = positive).

Is this the same rule for division with negatives?

Yes! The sign rules are exactly the same for both multiplication and division: same signs give positive, different signs give negative.

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