SOLUTION: my math teacher gave us a question like this.....find out if the statement is always,sometimes,or never true.here is the statement -(positive)(positive)(-negative)=negativ

Algebra ->  Expressions -> SOLUTION: my math teacher gave us a question like this.....find out if the statement is always,sometimes,or never true.here is the statement -(positive)(positive)(-negative)=negativ      Log On


   

Question 495047: my math teacher gave us a question like this.....find out if the statement is always,sometimes,or never true.here is the statement
-(positive)(positive)(-negative)=negative
me and my dad dont get why there is a - before the problem because on the next question one of the paranthesis says it without a - but the other one does.My paper is due monday and i need to understand the question so please reply fast!!
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Found 2 solutions by Alan3354, rfer:
Answer by Alan3354(69443) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
-(positive)(positive)(-negative)=negative
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You can cancel the positives, they have no effect on the sign.
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-(-negative)=negative
The 2 minus signs --> a positive
negative=negative
Always true.
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The next question has nothing to do with this question.

Answer by rfer(16322) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Look at the minus sign as if you are multiplying through by a -1.
Look at the problem this way.
-1*+1*+1*-1=+1
So your answer is never.
An easy way to know is if you have an even number of negatives your answer will be positive.
If you have an uneven number of negatives your answer will be negative.