Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) Practice Exam

What is the rule for multiplying two negative numbers?

1. The product is always negative

2. The product is zero

3. The product is positive

4. The product is undefined

The correct answer is: The product is positive

When multiplying two negative numbers, the rule states that the product is always positive. This can be understood by considering the concept of negative numbers and their interactions in multiplication. For instance, when you multiply a negative number by another negative number, you can think of it in terms of the direction on a number line. The first negative number can be seen as a reversal of direction, and the second negative number reverses that direction again. As a result, you end up moving in the positive direction. Mathematically, this follows from the properties of arithmetic and the definition of multiplication. The operation adheres to consistent rules that govern its behavior, and the positive result emphasizes how two negatives can effectively cancel each other out. This is a foundational concept in arithmetic and algebra, and it is crucial for performing calculations involving negative numbers across various mathematical scenarios.