Solve the Integer Multiplication: (-8) × 3

Q: Why is the answer negative when I'm multiplying by a positive number?

When you multiply a negative number by a positive number, the result is always negative. Think of it as: negative × positive = negative. The negative number "wins" and makes the whole result negative!

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

Use this simple pattern: Same signs = positive, Different signs = negative. Since (-8) is negative and 3 is positive, they have different signs, so the answer is negative.

Q: Can I just ignore the parentheses around -8?

Never ignore the parentheses! They show that the entire number -8 is being multiplied. Without them, you might confuse it with subtraction. Always keep track of negative signs.

Q: How is this different from 8 × (-3)?

It's exactly the same! Both $ (-8) \times 3 $ and $ 8 \times (-3) $ equal -24. The order doesn't matter in multiplication, and one negative number always makes the result negative.

Integer Multiplication with Negative Numbers

Complete the following exercise:

$(-8)\cdot3=$

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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:

$(-8)\cdot3=$

Step-by-step solution

Let's remember the rule:

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

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

$-8\times+3=-24$

Final Answer

$-24$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Negative times positive always equals negative
Technique: Multiply absolute values first: 8 × 3 = 24, then apply negative sign
Check: Verify sign pattern: (-) × (+) = (-), so (-8) × 3 = -24 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Forgetting the negative sign in the final answer
Don't just multiply 8 × 3 = 24 and forget the sign! This gives a positive answer when it should be negative. Always remember that negative times positive equals negative, so (-8) × 3 = -24.

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 the answer negative when I'm multiplying by a positive number?

When you multiply a negative number by a positive number, the result is always negative. Think of it as: negative × positive = negative. The negative number "wins" and makes the whole result negative!

How do I remember the sign rules for multiplication?

Use this simple pattern: Same signs = positive, Different signs = negative. Since (-8) is negative and 3 is positive, they have different signs, so the answer is negative.

What if both numbers were negative?

If both numbers are negative, like (-8) × (-3), the answer would be positive 24! Remember: negative × negative = positive because the signs are the same.

Can I just ignore the parentheses around -8?

Never ignore the parentheses! They show that the entire number -8 is being multiplied. Without them, you might confuse it with subtraction. Always keep track of negative signs.

How is this different from 8 × (-3)?

It's exactly the same! Both $(-8) \times 3$ and $8 \times (-3)$ equal -24. The order doesn't matter in multiplication, and one negative number always makes the result negative.

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