Algebra 1

2-3 Multiplying Rational Numbers

Objective
 Students will multiply real numbers
 Rules for Multiplying &
Dividing Integers
 The rules for multiplying real numbers are:
 If the signs are the same the
answer is positive
 If the signs are different the
answer is negative.

 Let’s look at some examples…

Example #1 – Same Signs
 Multiply 3●3

In this instance both factors are positive

The Signs are the same…
so your answer will be positive

3●3= 9
Example #2 – Same Signs
 Multiply - 3 ● (- 5)

In this instance both factors are negative

Signs are the SAME…
so your answer will be positive

- 3 ● (- 5) = 15
 YES…Even if both signs are
NEGATIVE……

 …as long as they are the SAME…..

 …the answer will be POSITIVE

when
multiplying (and dividing) !!
!!!
 Are you

YES,
sure ‘bout
dat??

TROG!!
Examples
5 • 3 = 15 Signs are
 -6 • - 5 = 30 Different!!
 12 • 2 = 24

 -5 • -3 = 15

 -4 • 2 = -8
Example #3 – Different Signs
 Multiply 5 ● (- 8)
In this instance the factors
have different signs. The 5 is
positive and the 8 is negative
– your answer will be negative
5 ● (- 8) = - 40
Example #4 – Different Signs
 Multiply -6 ● 3

- 6 ● 3 = - 18
Comment

 A strategy that you can use here to make you

life easy is to chunk the problem…that is

1. Multiply the numbers

first…
2. Then figure out the sign
Chunking
 Multiply - 10 ● 4

1. Multiply 10 ● 4 first to get the total

of 40
10 ● 4 = 40
2. Then evaluate for the signs – in this
instance the signs are different so your answer
will be negative
— ● + = —
The solution to the problem is: -10 ● 4 = -
40
 Remember:

Positive • Positive = Positive

Negative • Negative = Positive
Positive • Negative = Negative
Negative • Positive = Negative
Comment
 Make no mistake about it…we
will use this concept throughout
this course…!!
Copy and complete these on a separate
sheet for classwork.

 3•4= -3 • -6 =
 12(-4) = -2(-3) =
 3(2)(2) = -4(3) =
 4² = -3² =
 -2(-3)(4) = -1³ =