DETERMINING IF A PRODUCT IS POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE

Recall the following properties of multiplication of signed numbers:

(positive)(positive) = positive
(positive)(negative) = negative
(negative)(negative) = positive

When more than two numbers are being multiplied, just count the number of minus signs:
any even number of minus signs collapses to a plus sign;
any odd number of minus signs collapses to a minus sign.

EXAMPLES:
The product [beautiful math coming... please be patient] $\,(+)(-)(-)(+)(-)\,$ is negative $\,(-)\,$.
In this example, there are $\,3\,$ minus signs; $\,3\,$ is an odd number.
The product [beautiful math coming... please be patient] $\,(-)(-)(+)(-)(-)\,$ is positive $\,(+)\,$.
In this example, there are $\,4\,$ minus signs; $\,4\,$ is an even number.
Master the ideas from this section
by practicing the exercise at the bottom of this page.

When you're done practicing, move on to:
Multiplying and Dividing Fractions

 
 

Input your answer as: $\quad+\quad$ or $\quad-$

Determine the sign of this product: $\quad+\quad$ or $\quad-\quad$
    
(an even number, please)