Part 1/7:

Understanding Negative Times Negative: A Clear Explanation

When it comes to multiplication involving negative numbers, many of us are familiar with the rule that a negative times a negative equals a positive. However, this mathematical principle often raises the question: why is this the case? In this article, we will explore several explanations that illustrate why this rule holds true and its implications in various scenarios.

The Basics of Negative Numbers

To understand this concept, let's start with a simple illustration of negative numbers on a number line. If we take the number three (3), we can represent it on a scale where zero (0) sits in the middle. To the right, we have positive values, and to the left, we have negative values.