Solve Integer Multiplication: (-2) × 1 Step by Step

Q: Why is (-2) × 1 negative and not positive?

The sign rule says that when you multiply a negative number by a positive number, the result is always negative. Think of it as direction: negative means opposite direction!

Q: What's the difference between -2 × 1 and (-2) × 1?

They're the same thing! The parentheses just make it clearer that the negative sign belongs to the 2. Both equal -2.

Q: How do I remember the multiplication sign rules?

Use this pattern: same signs = positive, different signs = negative. Since (-2) is negative and 1 is positive, they're different, so the answer is negative.

Q: Can I check my answer another way?

Yes! Think of multiplication as repeated addition. (-2) × 1 means 'one group of -2', which is simply -2. You can also use a number line: start at 0 and move 2 units left once.

Integer Multiplication with Negative Numbers

Complete the following exercise:

$(-2)\cdot1=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:06 Negative times positive is always negative

00:14 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:

$(-2)\cdot1=$

Step-by-step solution

Let's recall the law:

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

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

$-2\times+1=-2$

Final Answer

$-2$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Sign Rule: Negative number times positive number equals negative result
Technique: Multiply absolute values first: |-2| × 1 = 2, then apply negative
Check: Verify (-2) × 1 = -2 by checking sign rules ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Forgetting to apply the sign rule correctly
Don't ignore the negative sign and get positive 2! The negative number (-2) times positive (1) must give a negative result. Always remember: negative × positive = negative.

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 (-2) × 1 negative and not positive?

The sign rule says that when you multiply a negative number by a positive number, the result is always negative. Think of it as direction: negative means opposite direction!

What's the difference between -2 × 1 and (-2) × 1?

They're the same thing! The parentheses just make it clearer that the negative sign belongs to the 2. Both equal -2.

How do I remember the multiplication sign rules?

Use this pattern: same signs = positive, different signs = negative. Since (-2) is negative and 1 is positive, they're different, so the answer is negative.

What if I multiply by 0 instead of 1?

Any number multiplied by 0 equals 0! So (-2) × 0 = 0. The number 1 is special because it's the multiplicative identity - it doesn't change the other number.

Can I check my answer another way?

Yes! Think of multiplication as repeated addition. (-2) × 1 means 'one group of -2', which is simply -2. You can also use a number line: start at 0 and move 2 units left once.

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