Question

When multiplying two real numbers, we multiply the values of the numbers and then consider the sign. Select all statements that apply. A The sign of the numbers doesn't matter, we just have to multiply the values together. B If both numbers are both positive or both negative then the result is positive, if they are different then the result is negative. C If one of the numbers is positive then the result is positive, if not then the result is negative. D A negative times anything is negative, so if there is a negative then the result is negative. Otherwise, the result is positive.

Answer 1

When multiplying two real numbers, the following rules are applied regarding the sign:
(positive)*(positive) = (positive)
(negative)*(negative) = (positive)
(positive)*(negative) = (negative)
(negative)*(positive) = (negative)
This means that like signs produce a positive product while different signs produce a negative product.

Comparing the choices to the above mentioned explanation, we will find that the correct choice is:
B. If both numbers are both positive or both negative then the result is positive, if they are different then the result is negative.