Understanding the Rules of Negative Multiplication

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 127 views

In mathematics, the product of two or more numbers can be either positive or negative, depending on the signs of the individual numbers. When multiplying numbers, if there is an even number of negative signs, the product is positive. On the other hand, if there is an odd number of negative signs, the product is negative. In this article, we will explore which product is negative among the given options.

Understanding the Rules of Negative Multiplication

Before we dive into the examples, let's review the rules of negative multiplication. When multiplying two numbers, if both numbers are negative, the product is positive. If one number is negative and the other is positive, the product is negative. If both numbers are positive, the product is positive.

Here are some examples to illustrate the rules:

Two negative numbers: (-3) × (-4) = 12 (positive)
One negative number and one positive number: (-3) × 4 = -12 (negative)
Two positive numbers: 3 × 4 = 12 (positive)

Evaluating the Products

Now that we have reviewed the rules of negative multiplication, let's evaluate the products given in the options.

Option A: ${$ \left(-\frac{3}{8}\right)\left(-\frac{5}{7}\right)\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)$}$

To evaluate this product, we need to multiply the three fractions together.

${$ \left(-\frac{3}{8}\right)\left(-\frac{5}{7}\right)\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)$ = \left(\frac{3}{8}\right)\left(\frac{5}{7}\right)\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)$ = \frac{15}{224}$

Since there is an odd number of negative signs (two negative signs), the product is negative.

Option B: [ $\left(\frac{3}{8}\right)\left(-\frac{5}{7}\right)\left(-\frac{1}{4}\right)\$}$

To evaluate this product, we need to multiply the three fractions together.

${$ \left(\frac{3}{8}\right)\left(-\frac{5}{7}\right)\left(-\frac{1}{4}\right)$ = \left(\frac{3}{8}\right)\left(\frac{5}{7}\right)\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)$ = \frac{15}{224}$

Since there is an even number of negative signs (two negative signs), the product is positive.

Option C: [ $\left(-\frac{3}{8}\right)\left(\frac{5}{7}\right)\left(-\frac{1}{4}\right)\$}$

To evaluate this product, we need to multiply the three fractions together.

${$ \left(-\frac{3}{8}\right)\left(\frac{5}{7}\right)\left(-\frac{1}{4}\right)$ = \left(\frac{3}{8}\right)\left(-\frac{5}{7}\right)\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)$ = \frac{15}{224}$

Since there is an even number of negative signs (two negative signs), the product is positive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the product that is negative among the given options is Option A: [ $\left(-\frac{3}{8}\right)\left(-\frac{5}{7}\right)\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)\$}$ . This is because there is an odd number of negative signs, resulting in a negative product.

Final Answer

In the previous article, we explored the rules of negative multiplication and evaluated the products given in the options. However, we may still have some questions about negative multiplication. In this article, we will address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about negative multiplication.

Q: What is the rule for multiplying two negative numbers?

A: When multiplying two negative numbers, the product is positive. For example, (-3) × (-4) = 12 (positive).

Q: What is the rule for multiplying one negative number and one positive number?

A: When multiplying one negative number and one positive number, the product is negative. For example, (-3) × 4 = -12 (negative).

Q: What is the rule for multiplying two positive numbers?

A: When multiplying two positive numbers, the product is positive. For example, 3 × 4 = 12 (positive).

Q: How do I determine if a product is positive or negative?

A: To determine if a product is positive or negative, count the number of negative signs. If there is an even number of negative signs, the product is positive. If there is an odd number of negative signs, the product is negative.

Q: Can you give me an example of a product with an even number of negative signs?

A: Yes, here is an example: (-3) × (-4) = 12 (positive). In this example, there are two negative signs, resulting in a positive product.

Q: Can you give me an example of a product with an odd number of negative signs?

A: Yes, here is an example: (-3) × 4 = -12 (negative). In this example, there is one negative sign, resulting in a negative product.

Q: What if I have a product with three or more numbers? How do I determine if it is positive or negative?

A: To determine if a product with three or more numbers is positive or negative, count the number of negative signs. If there is an even number of negative signs, the product is positive. If there is an odd number of negative signs, the product is negative.

Q: Can you give me an example of a product with three numbers?

A: Yes, here is an example: (-3) × (-4) × 5 = 60 (positive). In this example, there are two negative signs, resulting in a positive product.

Q: Can you give me an example of a product with three numbers and an odd number of negative signs?

A: Yes, here is an example: (-3) × 4 × (-5) = 60 (positive). In this example, there are two negative signs, resulting in a positive product.

Conclusion

In conclusion, negative multiplication is a fundamental concept in mathematics that can be used to solve a wide range of problems. By understanding the rules of negative multiplication, you can determine if a product is positive or negative. We hope that this article has helped to clarify any questions you may have had about negative multiplication.

Final Answer

The final answer is that the product of two or more numbers is positive if there is an even number of negative signs, and negative if there is an odd number of negative signs.