Learn Before
Example

Multiplying 93-9 \cdot 3, 2(5)-2(-5), 4(8)4(-8), and 767 \cdot 6

Apply the sign rules for integer multiplication to evaluate each product:

  • 93=27-9 \cdot 3 = -27: The factors have different signs (negative and positive), so the product is negative.
  • 2(5)=10-2(-5) = 10: The factors have the same sign (both negative), so the product is positive.
  • 4(8)=324(-8) = -32: The factors have different signs (positive and negative), so the product is negative.
  • 76=427 \cdot 6 = 42: The factors have the same sign (both positive), so the product is positive.

In each case, the first step is to identify whether the two factors share the same sign or have different signs. That determination alone fixes the sign of the answer; the numerical value is then found by multiplying the absolute values.

0

1

Updated 2026-04-21

Tags

OpenStax

Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Ch.1 Foundations - Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Algebra

Math

Prealgebra

Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

Ch.1 Foundations - Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

Related
Learn After