document.write( "Question 69388: Why must a - number times a - number result in a positive number? \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #49407 by funmath(2933) $\"\"$ $\"About$

You can put this solution on YOUR website!
When multiplying or dividing, the rule is, when the signs are the same, the answer is positive.
\n" ); document.write( " $\"%28-a%29%28-b%29=%2Bab\"$
\n" ); document.write( " $\"%28-a%29%2F%28-b%29=a%2Fb\"$
\n" ); document.write( "When the signs are different the answer is negative:
\n" ); document.write( " $\"-a%28b%29=-ab\"$
\n" ); document.write( " $\"a%28-b%29=-ab\"$
\n" ); document.write( " $\"%28-a%29%2Fb=-a%2Fb\"$
\n" ); document.write( " $\"a%2F%28-b%29=-a%2Fb\"$
\n" ); document.write( "Hope that helps to keep it straight.
\n" ); document.write( "Happy Calculating!!! \n" ); document.write( "

\n" );