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How to Multiply Negative Integers

Integers can be positive or negative numbers. 1, 5, 7 and -1, -8 and -7 are examples of integers, including 0. While learning your multiplication tables in school, you start with the whole, positive numbers. There are basic rules that apply to negative and positive numbers, or when you multiply them together. Remember that when you multiply two negatives together, it will always equal a positive. However, one negative integer multiplied by a positive will always make your answer negative.

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Instructions

- 1
  Write down the integers you intend to multiply on a piece of paper.
- 2
  Check if your answer will be positive or negative. Follow these basic rules: Positive times positive is positive; negative times positive is negative; positive times negative is negative; and negative times negative is positive. Or, more simply: Two like signs are positive, but two unlike signs are negative.
- 3
  Multiply your numbers together. If your integers are low, such as 3 and 9, you should do this by hand: 3 * -9 = -27. If your numbers are high, such as -154 x -270, use a calculator to speed up your process. In this case, your answer will be 41,580.

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