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All courses Math Foundations · MF.SN.3 25 of 60
Multiply and divide signed numbers and interpret sign patterns correctly.

Multiply signed numbers

Problem
Find the value of (-6)(4).
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Hint

Start by multiplying the absolute values: 6 × 4.

A negative number times a positive number gives a negative product.

Solution walkthrough

01

Multiply the magnitudes

\[|-6|~\times~|4|~=~6~\times~4~=~24\]

First ignore the signs and multiply the absolute values. The size of the product is 24.

02

Check the signs

\[(-)~\times~(+)~=~(-)\]

The factors have different signs: -6 is negative and 4 is positive. A negative times a positive gives a negative product.

03

Attach the sign to the product

\[(-6)(4)~=~-24\]

Use the magnitude 24 and the negative sign from the sign rule.

04

State the value

\[\text{The value of }~(-6)(4)~\text{ is }~-24.\]

This answers the question with the correct number and sign.

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Another way

  1. Use repeated addition: (-6)(4) means 4 groups of -6, so -6 + -6 + -6 + -6 = -24.

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Common mistake

Getting 24 because 6 × 4 = 24, but forgetting that one negative factor and one positive factor make the product negative.