Multiplying Negative Numbers: Understanding (-11)(-11)(-11)
When dealing with multiplication of negative numbers, it's important to remember the following rules:
- An odd number of negative signs results in a negative product.
- An even number of negative signs results in a positive product.
In our case, we have three negative signs, which is an odd number. Therefore, the product of (-11)(-11)(-11) will be negative.
Step-by-Step Calculation
- (-11)(-11) = 121
- Two negative signs multiply to a positive result.
- 121(-11) = -1331
- Multiplying a positive number by a negative number results in a negative product.
Therefore, (-11)(-11)(-11) = -1331.
Important Note:
The order of multiplication doesn't matter due to the commutative property of multiplication. We can calculate it as (-11)(-11)(-11) or (-11)(-11)(-11) and still get the same answer.