Multiply (-6) × 2: Negative Number Calculation Practice

Q: Why is (-6) × 2 negative instead of positive?

When you multiply a negative number by a positive number, the result is always negative! Think of it as: you're taking away 6 groups of 2, which gives you -12.

Q: What's the difference between (-6) × 2 and 6 × (-2)?

Both equal -12! It doesn't matter which number is negative - when you have one negative and one positive, the answer is always negative.

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

Use this simple pattern:Same signs (+ × + or - × -) = PositiveDifferent signs (+ × - or - × +) = Negative

Q: Can I ignore the parentheses around (-6)?

No! The parentheses show that the entire number -6 is being multiplied. Without them, you might confuse it with subtraction. Always keep the parentheses for clarity.

Q: What if I got -4 as my answer?

You likely subtracted instead of multiplying! Remember: $ (-6) \times 2 $ means multiplication, not $ -6 + 2 $. Multiply the absolute values first: 6 × 2 = 12, then apply the negative sign.

Integer Multiplication with Negative Factors

Complete the following exercise:

$(-6)\cdot2=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:07 Negative times positive is always negative

00:13 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

Complete the following exercise:

$(-6)\cdot2=$

Step-by-step solution

Let's recall the rule:

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

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

$-6\times+2=-12$

Final Answer

$-12$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Sign Rule: Negative times positive always equals negative
Technique: Calculate $6 \times 2 = 12$ , then apply negative sign
Check: Verify $(-6) \times 2 = -12$ using sign rules ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Forgetting to apply the negative sign to the final answer
Don't calculate 6 × 2 = 12 and forget the negative = positive 12! This ignores the negative factor completely. Always remember: negative × positive = negative result.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

What will be the sign of the result of the next exercise?

$(-2)\cdot(-4)=$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why is (-6) × 2 negative instead of positive?

When you multiply a negative number by a positive number, the result is always negative! Think of it as: you're taking away 6 groups of 2, which gives you -12.

What's the difference between (-6) × 2 and 6 × (-2)?

Both equal -12! It doesn't matter which number is negative - when you have one negative and one positive, the answer is always negative.

How do I remember the sign rules for multiplication?

Use this simple pattern:

Same signs (+ × + or - × -) = Positive
Different signs (+ × - or - × +) = Negative

Can I ignore the parentheses around (-6)?

No! The parentheses show that the entire number -6 is being multiplied. Without them, you might confuse it with subtraction. Always keep the parentheses for clarity.

What if I got -4 as my answer?

You likely subtracted instead of multiplying! Remember: $(-6) \times 2$ means multiplication, not $-6 + 2$ . Multiply the absolute values first: 6 × 2 = 12, then apply the negative sign.

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