Solve the Multiplication Equation: (-2) × ? = -4

Multiplication Equations with Negative Numbers

Fill in the missing number:

(−2)⋅?=−4 (-2)\cdot?=-4

❤️ 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 Find the unknown
00:04 First we'll find the sign of the unknown
00:10 Negative times positive is always negative
00:14 Therefore the unknown is positive
00:22 Find the unknown
00:35 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Fill in the missing number:

(−2)⋅?=−4 (-2)\cdot?=-4

2

Step-by-step solution

Remember the following law:

(−x)×(+x)=−x (-x)\times(+x)=-x

Let's think about which number we need to multiply by 2 to get 4:

2×2=4 2\times2=4

Now let's put the numbers together with the appropriate sign as written in the law above as follows:

−2×(+2)=−4 -2\times(+2)=-4

3

Final Answer

2 2

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Negative times positive equals negative result
  • Technique: Divide both sides: -4 ÷ (-2) = 2
  • Check: Substitute back: (-2) × 2 = -4 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting negative sign rules
    Don't think (-2) × 2 = +4! This ignores the negative sign rule and gives the wrong sign. When negative times positive, the result is always negative. 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 the answer positive 2 and not negative 2?

+

Because (-2) × (+2) = -4! We need a positive number to multiply with -2 to get the negative result -4. Remember: negative × positive = negative.

How do I solve multiplication equations like this?

+

Use division! Divide both sides by the coefficient: ?=−4−2=2 ? = \frac{-4}{-2} = 2 . Division undoes multiplication.

What if both numbers were negative?

+

Then the answer would be positive! Remember the rule: negative × negative = positive. For example, (-2) × (-2) = +4.

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

Should I always check my answer?

+

Absolutely! Always substitute your answer back into the original equation. If (-2) × your answer equals -4, then you're correct!

🌟 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

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations

Multiplication and Division of Signed Mumbers

Solve -13×4÷(-8): Working with Negative Integer Operations
Click to solve
Solve the Equation: Finding the Missing Factor in (-3)⬜ = -15
Click to solve

All Operations in Signed Numbers

Solve the Multiplication Equation: 12 × ? = 24
Click to solve
Solve the Equation: Finding the Missing Factor in (-6)×?=-12
Click to solve