Solve (-4)×(-1): Multiplying Two Negative Numbers

Q: Why does negative times negative equal positive?

Think of it like this: if you remove 4 groups of negative 1, you're actually adding 4! The two negatives cancel each other out, just like double negatives in English.

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

Use this simple pattern:Same signs (both + or both -) = PositiveDifferent signs (one + and one -) = Negative

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

Count the negative signs! An even number of negatives gives positive, an odd number of negatives gives negative. For example: (-2) × (-3) × (-1) has 3 negatives (odd), so the result is negative.

Q: Is this the same rule for division?

Yes! The sign rules are exactly the same for both multiplication and division. Negative ÷ Negative = Positive, just like Negative × Negative = Positive.

Q: Why did I get -4 as my answer?

You probably treated this like subtraction instead of multiplication. Remember: $ (-4) \times (-1) $ means multiply, not subtract. The multiplication sign rule gives us a positive result!

Negative Number Multiplication with Sign Rules

What is the answer to the following exercise?

$(-4)\cdot(-1)=$

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Step-by-step video solution

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00:00 Solve

00:06 Negative times negative is always positive

00:13 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

What is the answer to the following exercise?

$(-4)\cdot(-1)=$

Step-by-step solution

Let's recall the rule:

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

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

$-4\times-1=+4$

Final Answer

$4$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Two negative numbers multiplied together always give positive result
Technique: (-4) × (-1) = +(4 × 1) = +4
Check: Negative × Negative = Positive, so (-4) × (-1) = 4 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Thinking negative times negative equals negative
Don't assume (-4) × (-1) = -4 because you see negative signs! This ignores the multiplication sign rule and gives the wrong answer. Always remember: negative × negative = positive.

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 this: if you remove 4 groups of negative 1, you're actually adding 4! The two negatives cancel each other out, just like double negatives in English.

How can I remember the sign rules for multiplication?

Use this simple pattern:

Same signs (both + or both -) = Positive
Different signs (one + and one -) = Negative

What if I have more than two negative numbers?

Count the negative signs! An even number of negatives gives positive, an odd number of negatives gives negative. For example: (-2) × (-3) × (-1) has 3 negatives (odd), so the result is negative.

Is this the same rule for division?

Yes! The sign rules are exactly the same for both multiplication and division. Negative ÷ Negative = Positive, just like Negative × Negative = Positive.

Why did I get -4 as my answer?

You probably treated this like subtraction instead of multiplication. Remember: $(-4) \times (-1)$ means multiply, not subtract. The multiplication sign rule gives us a positive result!

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