-times-(-6).jpeg "(-4) Times (-6)")
Multiplying Negatives: Why (-4) times (-6) equals 24
Multiplication can sometimes feel like a bit of a mystery, especially when dealing with negative numbers. Let's explore why (-4) times (-6) equals 24.
Understanding the Rules
The key to understanding multiplication with negatives is to remember these rules:
- Positive times Positive = Positive
- Negative times Negative = Positive
- Positive times Negative = Negative
Breaking it Down
Let's visualize (-4) times (-6) using a number line:
- Start at zero.
- Move 4 units to the left (because -4 is negative).
- Repeat this movement 6 times (because we're multiplying by -6).
Since we are moving to the left (negative direction) six times, the final position on the number line will be positive 24.
Real-World Example
Think of debt. If you owe someone $4 (represented as -4), and you "lose" that debt six times (represented as -6), it's like having a gain of $24!
Conclusion
While it might seem counterintuitive at first, multiplying two negative numbers always results in a positive number. This rule is consistent with the way we understand multiplication and its relationship to the number line.