KnowledgeMadeFun, home

Lesson · Grade 7 · Mathematics

Why a Negative Times a Negative Is Positive

  • Grade 7
  • Mathematics
  • 59 s
  • British Columbia
  • BC7-MA-12

Using −3 × (−2) as the example, the video starts with 3 × (−2): three jumps of −2 on a number line land on −6. Because −3 is the opposite of 3, the answer is the opposite of −6, so flipping the jumps across zero lands on 6, and the video ends on the rule "negative × negative = positive".

Anyone can watch two lessons on the website without an account. Signing in is free, no payment and no card, and opens three a day; Plus has no limit.

Loading

Share to Google Classroom

In one sentence

The question this lesson answers

What is negative 3 times negative 2?

Start with an easier one: 3 times negative 2.

Transcript

What the lesson says

What is negative 3 times negative 2?

Start with an easier one: 3 times negative 2.

That means 3 jumps of negative 2, starting at zero.

We land on negative 6, so 3 times negative 2 is negative 6.

Now, negative 3 is the opposite of 3.

So negative 3 times negative 2 is the opposite of negative 6.

To find the opposite, flip the jumps to the other side of zero.

We land on 6, which is just as far from zero on the other side.

So negative 3 times negative 2 equals positive 6.

Negative 2 sends us left of zero, and negative 3 flips us back.

Remember: a negative times a negative is always positive.

Curriculum

Where this fits

British Columbia, Grade 7

Mathematics, Number: operations with integersBC7-MA-12

Previous: Multiplying integers: the sign rulesNext: Dividing integers

The outcomes and strands follow the British Columbia curriculum.

Keep going

More on this topic