SOLUTION: Why must a - number times a - number result in a positive number?

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Question 69388: Why must a - number times a - number result in a positive number?
Answer by funmath(2933) About Me  (Show Source):
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.
%28-a%29%28-b%29=%2Bab
%28-a%29%2F%28-b%29=a%2Fb
When the signs are different the answer is negative:
-a%28b%29=-ab
a%28-b%29=-ab
%28-a%29%2Fb=-a%2Fb
a%2F%28-b%29=-a%2Fb
Hope that helps to keep it straight.
Happy Calculating!!!