When it comes to math, multiplying positive and negative numbers can seem tricky at first. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it’s as easy as pie! In this guide, we’ll break down the process and make you a pro in no time.

We’ll review how to multiply negative and positive numbers with clear examples. This will help you prepare for any ACT® WorkKeys practice test.

Understanding the Basics of Multiplying Positive and Negative Numbers

Before we dive into multiplying, let’s refresh the basic rule of signs. In math, the sign of a number tells us whether it’s positive or negative. Here’s a quick rule to remember:

• Positive x Positive = Positive
• Negative x Negative = Positive
• Positive x Negative = Negative
• Negative x Positive = Negative

This rule is crucial because it determines the sign of the answer when multiplying numbers with different signs. Need a refresher on your multiplication tables? Try out this article!

Multiplying Positive and Negative Numbers

Let’s tackle a few examples to see this rule in action.

Example 1: Multiply Positive Numbers

Let’s say you’re asked to multiply 3 by 4. Since both numbers are positive, the result is positive:

Example 2: Multiply Negative Numbers

Now, consider multiplying -3 by -4. Here, both numbers are negative. According to our rule, a negative times a negative gives a positive result:

Example 3: Multiply a Positive by a Negative

Suppose you need to multiply 3 by -4. One number is positive, and the other is negative. The result will be negative:

Example 4: Multiply a Negative by a Positive

Finally, let’s multiply -3 by 4. Again, one number is negative, and the other is positive, so the result is negative:

Real-World Applications

Understanding how to multiply positive and negative numbers isn’t just for math class—it’s useful in real life too! Imagine you’re balancing a budget. If you overspend by $50 each week (a negative number), and you do this for 4 weeks, you’d calculate your total overspending like this:

This means you’ve overspent by $200 in total.

Practice Makes Perfect for Multiplying Positive and Negative Numbers

The key to mastering the multiplication of positive and negative numbers is practice. Try creating your own problems or find practice questions online. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.

Remember, math is like a puzzle. Once you understand the rules, you can solve any problem that comes your way. Keep practicing, and soon enough, you’ll be multiplying positive and negative numbers like a pro!

Need help preparing for the ACT® WorkKeys Applied Math Test?

Albert has hundreds of ACT® WorkKeys practice questions and full-length practice tests to try out.