Understanding Multiplication with Negative Numbers
The expression (-1)(-1)(-1)(-2) involves multiplication of negative numbers. Understanding the rules of multiplication with negative numbers is crucial for solving this type of problem.
Key Rules:
- Multiplying two negative numbers results in a positive number.
- Multiplying a positive and a negative number results in a negative number.
Solving the Expression:
Let's break down the expression step by step:
- (-1)(-1) = 1: Two negative numbers multiplied together give a positive number.
- 1(-1) = -1: A positive number multiplied by a negative number gives a negative number.
- -1(-2) = 2: A negative number multiplied by a negative number gives a positive number.
Therefore, (-1)(-1)(-1)(-2) = 2.
Conclusion:
By applying the rules of multiplication with negative numbers, we determined that the expression (-1)(-1)(-1)(-2) equals 2. Remember that multiplying an odd number of negative numbers results in a negative product, while multiplying an even number of negative numbers results in a positive product.