Of (something) × (something else), because (-something) × (something else) is the inverse Of the factors in a product, you change the sign of the product: To put it another way, if you change sign twice, you get back to the (because 3 is the number which, when added to -3, gives zero). Number back again: "-(-3)" means "the inverse of -3", which is 3 Note that when you take the inverse of an inverse you get the same Negative numbers were introduced: so that each positive number wouldįor example, the inverse of 3 is -3, and the inverse of -3 is 3. To it (a sort of "opposite" number), which when added to the (which I am both surprised and sorry that he has not been able to findĮach number has an "additive inverse" associated Your 7th grader's question is an important and fundamental one "subtraction", "multiplication", and "division"). Properties of operations on numbers (the notions of "addition", The answer has to do with the fundamental Remember it's a 7th grader who wants to understand, not to mention I won't feel bad if you don't answer this. Minus equals a plus he says WHY? (sorry about yelling). I'm helping a 7th grader with things like: a plus times a plusĮquals a plus, a minus times a plus equals a minus, and a plus timesĪ minus equals a minus. Why is the Product of Negative Numbers Positive? Asked by an anonymous poster on March 18, 1997: Question Corner - Why is the Product of Negative Numbers Positive? Navigation Panel: (These buttons explained below)
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |