Introduction
In this lesson, we will review the multiplication of integers. In order to multiply integers you must know the following key points:Key Points:
- Integers are distributed in 2 categories: positives and negatives
- Integers are whole numbers
- Zero is neither a positive or negative number
- If the signs are the same the product will be positive
- If the signs are different the product will be negative
Figure 1 Multiplication of Integers Number Line
Multiplication of Integers
Let's say that we have the following problem:4 x -8
From the above key points, we know that if the signs are different, then the product will be negative.
In this case we have positive 4 (+4) and negative 8 (-8). Since the signs are different we know that the product will be negative. Now just simply multiply 4 x 8 and we get a product of 32. Remember to add the negative sign to get your final product of -32.
4 x -8 = -32
