Learn how to multiply negative numbers like -3 and -6 step by step, with real-life examples and an easy explanation. Discover why multiplying two negative numbers results in a positive outcome. A comprehensive guide for children and beginners.
When we multiply a number by another number, it means we are adding the number to itself multiple times. In this case, we have -3 times -6. Let's break it down step by step:
Imagine you have 3 apples in one basket (-3), and another 6 baskets of apples (-6). If you want to know how many apples you have in total when you have 6 baskets of 3 apples each, you can multiply the number of baskets by the number of apples in each basket.
Multiplying -3 apples by -6 baskets would mean you are taking -3 baskets of -6 apples each. By multiplying -3 by -6, you will have a total of 18 apples.
So, when you multiply -3 by -6, you get a positive result of 18. This is because when you multiply two negative numbers, they become positive. So, -3 x -6 = 18.
This is like saying, if you owe someone -3 dollars (-$3) and they give you -6 dollars (-$6), you end up gaining 18 dollars ($18) because the negative signs cancel out.