Question

Multiplying an odd number of negative numbers gives an answer that is _______________ choose from: positive negative

Answer 1

Lets try multiplying an odd number (say three) of negative numbers:

`-2*-3*-4=6* -4=-24`
We get a negative answer!

Answer 2

Negative

Explanation:

It is by definition that

• multiplying EVEN number of Negative Numbers will give us a POSITIVE answer, and
• multiplying ODD number of Negative Numbers will give us a NEGATIVE answer

Let's check.

Let's multiply 3 (odd number) negative numbers:

`(-2)(-2)(-2)=-8` [negative answer]

Let's multiply 4 (even number) negative numbers:

`(-2)(-2)(-2)(-2)=16` [positive answer]

So multiplying an odd number of negative numbers gives an answer that is negative.