Solve (-3)×(-6): Multiplying Two Negative Numbers

Q: Why does negative times negative equal positive?

Think of it as opposite of opposite! If -3 means "3 in the opposite direction," then (-3) × (-6) means "take the opposite of 3, six times in the opposite direction" - which brings you back to positive!

Q: What if only one number is negative?

When you multiply a positive and negative number, the result is always negative. For example: 3 × (-6) = -18 or (-3) × 6 = -18.

Q: How can I remember the sign rules?

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

Q: Does this rule work for division too?

Yes! Division follows the same sign rules as multiplication. So (-12) ÷ (-3) = +4, just like (-3) × (-6) = +18.

Q: What about three negative numbers multiplied together?

Count the negative signs! With odd numbers of negatives (1, 3, 5...), the result is negative. With even numbers of negatives (2, 4, 6...), the result is positive.

Integer Multiplication with Negative Signs

Complete the following exercise:

$(-3)\cdot(-6)=$

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:06 Negative times negative always equals positive

00:15 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:

$(-3)\cdot(-6)=$

Step-by-step solution

Let's remember the rule:

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

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

$-3\times-6=+18$

Final Answer

$18$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Negative times negative always equals positive result
Technique: $(-3) \times (-6) = +(3 \times 6) = +18$
Check: Two negative signs cancel out to make positive ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Keeping the result negative
Don't think (-3) × (-6) = -18 because you see negative numbers! This ignores the sign rule and gives the opposite answer. Always remember: negative × negative = positive.

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 negative times negative equal positive?

Think of it as opposite of opposite! If -3 means "3 in the opposite direction," then (-3) × (-6) means "take the opposite of 3, six times in the opposite direction" - which brings you back to positive!

What if only one number is negative?

When you multiply a positive and negative number, the result is always negative. For example: 3 × (-6) = -18 or (-3) × 6 = -18.

How can I remember the sign rules?

Use this simple pattern:

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

Does this rule work for division too?

Yes! Division follows the same sign rules as multiplication. So (-12) ÷ (-3) = +4, just like (-3) × (-6) = +18.

What about three negative numbers multiplied together?

Count the negative signs! With odd numbers of negatives (1, 3, 5...), the result is negative. With even numbers of negatives (2, 4, 6...), the result is positive.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Signed Numbers (Positive and Negative) questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime