Calculate (-6) × (-6): Multiplying Identical Negative Numbers

Q: Why does multiplying two negative numbers give a positive result?

Think of it as "opposite of opposite". The first negative sign means "opposite of 6", and the second negative means "opposite of that opposite", which brings you back to positive!

Q: Is (-6) × (-6) the same as -6²?

No! $ (-6) \times (-6) = 36 $, but $ -6^2 = -36 $. The parentheses matter - they show that the negative sign is part of both factors being multiplied.

Q: How can I remember the sign rules for multiplication?

Use this simple pattern:Same signs (both + or both -) = positive resultDifferent signs (one + and one -) = negative result

Q: What if I had (-6) × (+6) instead?

That would give $ -36 $ because you're multiplying a negative by a positive (different signs = negative result). Only when both numbers are negative do you get positive!

Q: Do I need to write the + sign in my answer?

You can write either $ +36 $ or just $ 36 $ - they mean the same thing. Positive numbers don't require the + sign, but writing it can help show you understood the sign rules!

Negative Multiplication with Identical Factors

Choose the correct answer to the following exercise:

$(-6)\cdot(-6)=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:09 Negative times negative is always positive

00:16 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Choose the correct answer to the following exercise:

$(-6)\cdot(-6)=$

Step-by-step solution

Let's recall the rule:

$(-x)\times(-x)=+x$

Therefore, the sign of the exercise result will be positive:

$-6\times-6=+36$

Final Answer

$36$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Multiplying two negative numbers always gives a positive result
Technique: $(-6) \times (-6) = +36$ because negatives cancel out
Check: Count negative signs: 2 negatives = positive result ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Keeping the negative sign in the final answer
Don't assume $(-6) \times (-6) = -36$ just because you see negative numbers! Two negatives multiply to make a positive. Always remember: negative × negative = positive, so the answer is +36.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following exercise:

$(+6)\cdot(+9)=$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does multiplying two negative numbers give a positive result?

Think of it as "opposite of opposite". The first negative sign means "opposite of 6", and the second negative means "opposite of that opposite", which brings you back to positive!

Is (-6) × (-6) the same as -6²?

No! $(-6) \times (-6) = 36$ , but $-6^2 = -36$ . The parentheses matter - they show that the negative sign is part of both factors being multiplied.

How can I remember the sign rules for multiplication?

Use this simple pattern:

Same signs (both + or both -) = positive result
Different signs (one + and one -) = negative result

What if I had (-6) × (+6) instead?

That would give $-36$ because you're multiplying a negative by a positive (different signs = negative result). Only when both numbers are negative do you get positive!

Do I need to write the + sign in my answer?

You can write either $+36$ or just $36$ - they mean the same thing. Positive numbers don't require the + sign, but writing it can help show you understood the sign rules!

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