Exploring Integers


 Math > Math Concepts  > Algebra >Integers> Multiplication
 
  Topic Index
 Math
  - math subjects
  - by grade level
 Math Help
  - Math Help Forum
  - Math Tutoring
  - Math Blog for K-12
 Math Games
  - Games Index
 Math Worksheets
 - math worksheets
 Math Books
  - Used Textbooks
  - BudgeText
  - Follett Ed. Services
 Resources
  - The Math Forum
 

Integer Multiplication 

Exploring Integers - Part 3


Index Back Continue Last page

Multiplication of Integers

2 * 3  means  to add 2 to itself 3 times: 2 + 2 + 2 = 6

-3 * 2 means to add -3 to itself 2 times: -3 + -3    = -6

4 * -2 means to add -2 to itself 4 times: -2 + -2 + -2 + -2 = -8

-2 * -3  has no meaning except, possibly, the opposite of 2 * -3,

            that is, add -3 to itself 2 times then use the opposite of the result:

            -3 + -3 = -6,  the inverse of -6 is 6.  So, -2 * -3 = 6.

It is probably best to learn and use the rules:

   a.  2 same sign integers multiplied yield a positive product.  

   b.  2 mixed sign integers multiplied yield a negative product.

 

 

But what if you have more than 2 integers multiplied together?

Example:  -2 * 3 * -4

          well, simplify by taking 2 factors at a time from left to right:

           -2 * 3  is  -6,  so we have  -6 * -4. 

          Now -6 * -4  = 24, the answer.

 

Example:   2 * 5 * -6 * -2 * 3

                    10  * -6 * -2 * 3

                       -60    * -2  * 3

                             120      * 3

                                        360

 

 

 

Index Back Continue Last page



This is another FREE ALGEBRA PRINTABLE presented to you from the Algebra section of K12math.com


Download our free math lesson plan template...and print!!

about us | site index | topic index

K12math.com copyright 2005