Multiplying Negative Numbers: A Simple Explanation
Multiplying negative numbers can seem confusing at first, but it's actually quite straightforward. Here's a breakdown of how to solve (-7)(-5):
Understanding the Rules
- Two negatives make a positive: When multiplying two negative numbers, the result is always positive.
- Positive times negative is negative: If you multiply a positive number and a negative number, the result is negative.
Solving the Problem
Using these rules, let's tackle our problem:
- (-7)(-5): We have two negative numbers.
- Applying the rule: Two negatives make a positive.
- Calculate: 7 x 5 = 35
Therefore, (-7)(-5) = 35
Visualizing the Concept
Imagine a number line. Moving to the right represents positive numbers, and moving to the left represents negative numbers.
- Multiplying by a negative number is like reversing direction on the number line.
- When you multiply two negative numbers, you're reversing direction twice, which brings you back to the positive side.
This visualization can help you understand why multiplying two negatives results in a positive.