Part 4/7:
If we know from previous examples that a negative number multiplied by a positive number yields a negative result (e.g., 3 * -4 = -12), it follows logically that when we multiply two negative numbers, we are essentially flipping our result.
Taking the previous result of -12 and negating it gives us a positive 12:
- (-3) * (-4) = 12.
We can confirm that each negative can cancel out the other, leading us back to a positive.
Division and Confirmation of Negative Times Negative
For a more concrete example to solidify this concept, we can turn to division. Let’s take the case of -3 divided by -3:
- We know that any number divided by itself equals one. Thus, -3 / -3 = 1.
This division can also be rearranged and rewritten, highlighting the nature of negative multiplication.