The document discusses rules for multiplying signed numbers. It states that to multiply two signed numbers, multiply their absolute values and use rules to determine the sign of the product: two numbers with the same sign yield a positive product, while two numbers with opposite signs yield a negative product. It also discusses that in algebra, operations are often implied rather than written out. The even-odd rule determines the sign of products with multiple factors: an even number of negative factors yields a positive product, while an odd number yields a negative product.

1. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers

2. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Rule for Multiplication of Signed Numbers

3. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Rule for Multiplication of Signed Numbers
To multiple two signed numbers, we multiply their absolute
values and use the following rules for the sign of the product.

4. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Rule for Multiplication of Signed Numbers
To multiple two signed numbers, we multiply their absolute
values and use the following rules for the sign of the product.
+ * + = – * – = + ;

5. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Rule for Multiplication of Signed Numbers
To multiple two signed numbers, we multiply their absolute
values and use the following rules for the sign of the product.
+ * + = – * – = + ;
+ * – = – * + = – ;

6. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Rule for Multiplication of Signed Numbers
To multiple two signed numbers, we multiply their absolute
values and use the following rules for the sign of the product.
+ * + = – * – = + ;
+ * – = – * + = – ;
Two numbers with the same sign multiplied yield positive
products.

7. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Rule for Multiplication of Signed Numbers
To multiple two signed numbers, we multiply their absolute
values and use the following rules for the sign of the product.
+ * + = – * – = + ;
+ * – = – * + = – ;
Two numbers with the same sign multiplied yield a positive
product.
Two numbers with opposite signs multiplied yield a negative
product.

8. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Rule for Multiplication of Signed Numbers
To multiple two signed numbers, we multiply their absolute
values and use the following rules for the sign of the product.
+ * + = – * – = + ;
+ * – = – * + = – ;
Two numbers with the same sign multiplied yield a positive
product.
Two numbers with opposite signs multiplied yield a negative
product.
Example A.
a. 5 * (4) = –5 * (–4)

9. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Rule for Multiplication of Signed Numbers
To multiple two signed numbers, we multiply their absolute
values and use the following rules for the sign of the product.
+ * + = – * – = + ;
+ * – = – * + = – ;
Two numbers with the same sign multiplied yield a positive
product.
Two numbers with opposite signs multiplied yield a negative
product.
Example A.
a. 5 * (4) = –5 * (–4) = 20

10. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Rule for Multiplication of Signed Numbers
To multiple two signed numbers, we multiply their absolute
values and use the following rules for the sign of the product.
+ * + = – * – = + ;
+ * – = – * + = – ;
Two numbers with the same sign multiplied yield a positive
product.
Two numbers with opposite signs multiplied yield a negative
product.
Example A.
a. 5 * (4) = –5 * (–4) = 20
b. –5 * (4) = 5 * (–4)

11. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Rule for Multiplication of Signed Numbers
To multiple two signed numbers, we multiply their absolute
values and use the following rules for the sign of the product.
+ * + = – * – = + ;
+ * – = – * + = – ;
Two numbers with the same sign multiplied yield a positive
product.
Two numbers with opposite signs multiplied yield a negative
product.
Example A.
a. 5 * (4) = –5 * (–4) = 20
b. –5 * (4) = 5 * (–4) = –20

12. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Rule for Multiplication of Signed Numbers
To multiple two signed numbers, we multiply their absolute
values and use the following rules for the sign of the product.
+ * + = – * – = + ;
+ * – = – * + = – ;
Two numbers with the same sign multiplied yield a positive
product.
Two numbers with opposite signs multiplied yield a negative
product.
Example A.
a. 5 * (4) = –5 * (–4) = 20
b. –5 * (4) = 5 * (–4) = –20
In algebra, multiplication operation are not always written
down explicitly.

13. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Rule for Multiplication of Signed Numbers
To multiple two signed numbers, we multiply their absolute
values and use the following rules for the sign of the product.
+ * + = – * – = + ;
+ * – = – * + = – ;
Two numbers with the same sign multiplied yield a positive
product.
Two numbers with opposite signs multiplied yield a negative
product.
Example A.
a. 5 * (4) = –5 * (–4) = 20
b. –5 * (4) = 5 * (–4) = –20
In algebra, multiplication operation are not always written
down explicitly. Instead we use the following rules to identify
multiplication operations.

14. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
● If there is no operation indicated between two quantities, the
operation between them is multiplication.

15. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
● If there is no operation indicated between two quantities, the
operation between them is multiplication. Hence xy means x * y.

16. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
● If there is no operation indicated between two quantities, the
operation between them is multiplication. Hence xy means x * y.
● If there is no operation indicated between a set of ( ) and a
quantity, the operation between them is multiplication.

17. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
● If there is no operation indicated between two quantities, the
operation between them is multiplication. Hence xy means x * y.
● If there is no operation indicated between a set of ( ) and a
quantity, the operation between them is multiplication.
Hence x(a + b) = x * (a + b ) and (a + b)x = (a + b) * x.

18. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
● If there is no operation indicated between two quantities, the
operation between them is multiplication. Hence xy means x * y.
● If there is no operation indicated between a set of ( ) and a
quantity, the operation between them is multiplication.
Hence x(a + b) = x * (a + b ) and (a + b)x = (a + b) * x.
● If there is no operation indicated between two sets of ( )’s,
the operation between them is multiplication.

19. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
● If there is no operation indicated between two quantities, the
operation between them is multiplication. Hence xy means x * y.
● If there is no operation indicated between a set of ( ) and a
quantity, the operation between them is multiplication.
Hence x(a + b) = x * (a + b ) and (a + b)x = (a + b) * x.
● If there is no operation indicated between two sets of ( )’s,
the operation between them is multiplication.
Hence (x + y)(a + b) = (x + y) * (a + b)

20. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
● If there is no operation indicated between two quantities, the
operation between them is multiplication. Hence xy means x * y.
● If there is no operation indicated between a set of ( ) and a
quantity, the operation between them is multiplication.
Hence x(a + b) = x * (a + b ) and (a + b)x = (a + b) * x.
● If there is no operation indicated between two sets of ( )’s,
the operation between them is multiplication.
Hence (x + y)(a + b) = (x + y) * (a + b)
However, if there is a “+” or “–” sign between the ( ) and a
quantity, then the operation is to combine.

21. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
● If there is no operation indicated between two quantities, the
operation between them is multiplication. Hence xy means x * y.
● If there is no operation indicated between a set of ( ) and a
quantity, the operation between them is multiplication.
Hence x(a + b) = x * (a + b ) and (a + b)x = (a + b) * x.
● If there is no operation indicated between two sets of ( )’s,
the operation between them is multiplication.
Hence (x + y)(a + b) = (x + y) * (a + b)
However, if there is a “+” or “–” sign between the ( ) and a
quantity, then the operation is to combine.
Hence 3(+5) = (+5)3 =15,

22. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
● If there is no operation indicated between two quantities, the
operation between them is multiplication. Hence xy means x * y.
● If there is no operation indicated between a set of ( ) and a
quantity, the operation between them is multiplication.
Hence x(a + b) = x * (a + b ) and (a + b)x = (a + b) * x.
● If there is no operation indicated between two sets of ( )’s,
the operation between them is multiplication.
Hence (x + y)(a + b) = (x + y) * (a + b)
However, if there is a “+” or “–” sign between the ( ) and a
quantity, then the operation is to combine.
Hence 3(+5) = (+5)3 =15, but 3 + (5) = (3) + 5 = 8,

23. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
● If there is no operation indicated between two quantities, the
operation between them is multiplication. Hence xy means x * y.
● If there is no operation indicated between a set of ( ) and a
quantity, the operation between them is multiplication.
Hence x(a + b) = x * (a + b ) and (a + b)x = (a + b) * x.
● If there is no operation indicated between two sets of ( )’s,
the operation between them is multiplication.
Hence (x + y)(a + b) = (x + y) * (a + b)
However, if there is a “+” or “–” sign between the ( ) and a
quantity, then the operation is to combine.
Hence 3(+5) = (+5)3 =15, but 3 + (5) = (3) + 5 = 8,
and –5(–5) = (–5)(–5) = 25,

24. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
● If there is no operation indicated between two quantities, the
operation between them is multiplication. Hence xy means x * y.
● If there is no operation indicated between a set of ( ) and a
quantity, the operation between them is multiplication.
Hence x(a + b) = x * (a + b ) and (a + b)x = (a + b) * x.
● If there is no operation indicated between two sets of ( )’s,
the operation between them is multiplication.
Hence (x + y)(a + b) = (x + y) * (a + b)
However, if there is a “+” or “–” sign between the ( ) and a
quantity, then the operation is to combine.
Hence 3(+5) = (+5)3 =15, but 3 + (5) = (3) + 5 = 8,
and –5(–5) = (–5)(–5) = 25, but (–5) – 5 = –5 – (5) = –10.

25. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
● If there is no operation indicated between two quantities, the
operation between them is multiplication. Hence xy means x * y.
● If there is no operation indicated between a set of ( ) and a
quantity, the operation between them is multiplication.
Hence x(a + b) = x * (a + b ) and (a + b)x = (a + b) * x.
● If there is no operation indicated between two sets of ( )’s,
the operation between them is multiplication.
Hence (x + y)(a + b) = (x + y) * (a + b)
However, if there is a “+” or “–” sign between the ( ) and a
quantity, then the operation is to combine.
Hence 3(+5) = (+5)3 =15, but 3 + (5) = (3) + 5 = 8,
and –5(–5) = (–5)(–5) = 25, but (–5) – 5 = –5 – (5) = –10.
To multiply many signed numbers together, we always
determine the sign of the product first, then multiply just the
numbers themselves. The sign of the product is determined by
the following Even–Odd Rules.

26. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Even-Odd Rule for the Sign of a Product
• If there are even number of negative numbers in the
multiplication, the product is positive.

27. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Even-Odd Rule for the Sign of a Product
• If there are even number of negative numbers in the
multiplication, the product is positive.
• If there are odd number of negative numbers in the
multiplication, the product is negative.

28. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Even-Odd Rule for the Sign of a Product
• If there are even number of negative numbers in the
multiplication, the product is positive.
• If there are odd number of negative numbers in the
multiplication, the product is negative.
Example B.
a. –1(–2 ) 2 (–1)

29. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Even-Odd Rule for the Sign of a Product
• If there are even number of negative numbers in the
multiplication, the product is positive.
• If there are odd number of negative numbers in the
multiplication, the product is negative.
Example B.
a. –1(–2 ) 2 (–1)
three negative numbers, so the product is negative

30. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Even-Odd Rule for the Sign of a Product
• If there are even number of negative numbers in the
multiplication, the product is positive.
• If there are odd number of negative numbers in the
multiplication, the product is negative.
Example B.
a. –1(–2 ) 2 (–1) = – 4
4 came from 1*2*2*1 (just the numbers)
three negative numbers, so the product is negative

31. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Even-Odd Rule for the Sign of a Product
• If there are even number of negative numbers in the
multiplication, the product is positive.
• If there are odd number of negative numbers in the
multiplication, the product is negative.
Example B.
a. –1(–2 ) 2 (–1) = – 4
three negative numbers, so the product is negative
b. (–2)4

32. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Even-Odd Rule for the Sign of a Product
• If there are even number of negative numbers in the
multiplication, the product is positive.
• If there are odd number of negative numbers in the
multiplication, the product is negative.
Example B.
a. –1(–2 ) 2 (–1) = – 4
three negative numbers, so the product is negative
b. (–2)4 = (–2 )(–2)(–2)(–2)

33. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Even-Odd Rule for the Sign of a Product
• If there are even number of negative numbers in the
multiplication, the product is positive.
• If there are odd number of negative numbers in the
multiplication, the product is negative.
Example B.
a. –1(–2 ) 2 (–1) = – 4
three negative numbers, so the product is negative
b. (–2)4 = (–2 )(–2)(–2)(–2)
four negative numbers, so the product is positive

34. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Even-Odd Rule for the Sign of a Product
• If there are even number of negative numbers in the
multiplication, the product is positive.
• If there are odd number of negative numbers in the
multiplication, the product is negative.
Example B.
a. –1(–2 ) 2 (–1) = – 4
three negative numbers, so the product is negative
b. (–2)4 = (–2 )(–2)(–2)(–2) = 16
four negative numbers, so the product is positive

35. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Even-Odd Rule for the Sign of a Product
• If there are even number of negative numbers in the
multiplication, the product is positive.
• If there are odd number of negative numbers in the
multiplication, the product is negative.
Example B.
a. –1(–2 ) 2 (–1) = – 4
three negative numbers, so the product is negative
b. (–2)4 = (–2 )(–2)(–2)(–2) = 16
four negative numbers, so the product is positive
Fact: A quantity raised to an even power is always positive
i.e. xeven is always positive (except 0).

36. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
In algebra, a ÷ b is written as a/b or .
a
b

37. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
In algebra, a ÷ b is written as a/b or .
Rule for the Sign of a Quotient
a
b

38. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
In algebra, a ÷ b is written as a/b or .
a
b
Rule for the Sign of a Quotient
Division of signed numbers follows the same sign-rules for
multiplications.

39. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
In algebra, a ÷ b is written as a/b or .
a
b
Rule for the Sign of a Quotient
Division of signed numbers follows the same sign-rules for
multiplications.
+
+
=
–
– = +
+
+
=
–
= –
–

40. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
In algebra, a ÷ b is written as a/b or .
a
b
Rule for the Sign of a Quotient
Division of signed numbers follows the same sign-rules for
multiplications.
+
+
=
–
– = +
+
–
+
=
–
= –
Two numbers with the same sign divided yield a positive
quotient.

41. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
In algebra, a ÷ b is written as a/b or .
a
b
Rule for the Sign of a Quotient
Division of signed numbers follows the same sign-rules for
multiplications.
+
+
=
–
– = +
+
–
+
=
–
= –
Two numbers with the same sign divided yield a positive
quotient.
Two numbers with opposite signs divided yield a negative
quotient.

42. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
In algebra, a ÷ b is written as a/b or .
Rule for the Sign of a Quotient
Division of signed numbers follows the same sign-rules for
multiplications.
Two numbers with the same sign divided yield a positive
quotient.
Two numbers with opposite signs divided yield a negative
quotient.
Example C.
a.
a
b
+
+
=
–
– = +
+
+
=
–
= –
–
20
4
=
–20
–4

43. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
In algebra, a ÷ b is written as a/b or .
Rule for the Sign of a Quotient
Division of signed numbers follows the same sign-rules for
multiplications.
Two numbers with the same sign divided yield a positive
quotient.
Two numbers with opposite signs divided yield a negative
quotient.
Example C.
a.
a
b
+
+
=
–
– = +
+
+
=
–
= –
–
20
4
=
–20
–4
= 5

44. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
In algebra, a ÷ b is written as a/b or .
Rule for the Sign of a Quotient
Division of signed numbers follows the same sign-rules for
multiplications.
Two numbers with the same sign divided yield a positive
quotient.
Two numbers with opposite signs divided yield a negative
quotient.
Example C.
a.
b . –20 / 4 = 20 / (–4)
a
b
+
+
=
–
– = +
+
+
=
–
= –
–
20
4
=
–20
–4
= 5

45. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
In algebra, a ÷ b is written as a/b or .
Rule for the Sign of a Quotient
Division of signed numbers follows the same sign-rules for
multiplications.
Two numbers with the same sign divided yield a positive
quotient.
Two numbers with opposite signs divided yield a negative
quotient.
Example C.
a.
b . –20 / 4 = 20 / (–4) = –5
a
b
+
+
=
–
– = +
+
+
=
–
= –
–
20
4
=
–20
–4
= 5

46. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
In algebra, a ÷ b is written as a/b or .
Rule for the Sign of a Quotient
Division of signed numbers follows the same sign-rules for
multiplications.
Two numbers with the same sign divided yield a positive
quotient.
Two numbers with opposite signs divided yield a negative
quotient.
Example C.
a.
b . –20 / 4 = 20 / (–4) = –5
a
b
+
+
=
–
– = +
+
+
=
–
= –
–
20
4
=
–20
–4
= 5
c.
(–6)2
=
–4

47. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
In algebra, a ÷ b is written as a/b or .
Rule for the Sign of a Quotient
Division of signed numbers follows the same sign-rules for
multiplications.
Two numbers with the same sign divided yield a positive
quotient.
Two numbers with opposite signs divided yield a negative
quotient.
Example C.
a.
b . –20 / 4 = 20 / (–4) = –5
a
b
+
+
=
–
– = +
+
+
=
–
= –
–
20
4
=
–20
–4
= 5
c.
(–6)2
=
36
–4 –4

48. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
In algebra, a ÷ b is written as a/b or .
Rule for the Sign of a Quotient
Division of signed numbers follows the same sign-rules for
multiplications.
Two numbers with the same sign divided yield a positive
quotient.
Two numbers with opposite signs divided yield a negative
quotient.
Example C.
a.
b . –20 / 4 = 20 / (–4) = –5
a
b
+
+
=
–
– = +
+
+
=
–
= –
–
20
4
=
–20
–4
= 5
c.
(–6)2
=
36
–4
=
–4
–9

49. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
The Even–Odd Rule applies to more length * and / operations
problems.

50. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
The Even–Odd Rule applies to more length * and / operations
problems.
Example D. Simplify.
(– 4)6(–1)(–3)
(–2)(–5)12

51. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
The Even–Odd Rule applies to more length * and / operations
problems.
Example D. Simplify.
(– 4)6(–1)(–3)
(–2)(–5)12
five negative numbers
so the product is negative

52. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
The Even–Odd Rule applies to more length * and / operations
problems.
Example D. Simplify.
(– 4)6(–1)(–3)
(–2)(–5)12
= –
five negative numbers
so the product is negative

53. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
The Even–Odd Rule applies to more length * and / operations
problems.
Example D. Simplify.
(– 4)6(–1)(–3)
(–2)(–5)12
= –
five negative numbers
so the product is negative
simplify just the numbers 4(6)(3)
2(5)(12)

54. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
The Even–Odd Rule applies to more length * and / operations
problems.
Example D. Simplify.
(– 4)6(–1)(–3)
(–2)(–5)12
= –
five negative numbers
so the product is negative
simplify just the numbers 4(6)(3)
2(5)(12)
= –
3
5

55. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
The Even–Odd Rule applies to more length * and / operations
problems.
Example D. Simplify.
(– 4)6(–1)(–3)
(–2)(–5)12
= –
five negative numbers
so the product is negative
simplify just the numbers 4(6)(3)
2(5)(12)
= –
3
5
Various form of the Even–Odd Rule extend to algebra and
geometry. It’s the basis of many decisions and conclusions in
mathematics problems.
The following is an example of the two types of graphs there
are due to this Even–Odd Rule. (Don’t worry about how they
are produced.)

56. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
The Even Power Graphs vs. Odd Power Graphs of y = xN

57. Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers
Exercise A. Calculate the following expressions.
Make sure that you interpret the operations correctly.
1. 3 – 3 2. 3(–3) 3. (3) – 3 4. (–3) – 3
5. –3(–3) 6. –(–3)(–3) 7. (–3) – (–3) 8. –(–3) – (–3)
B.Multiply. Determine the sign first.
9. 2(–3) 10. (–2)(–3) 11. (–1)(–2)(–3)
12. 2(–2)(–3) 13. (–2)(–2)(–2) 14. (–2)(–2)(–2)(–2)
15. (–1)(–2)(–2)(–2)(–2) 16. 2(–1)(3)(–1)(–2)
C. Simplify. Determine the sign and cancel first.
17.
12
–3
18.
–12
–3
19.
–24
–8
21. (2)(–6)
–8
20.
24
–12
22. (–18)(–6)
–9
23. (–9)(6)
(12)(–3)
24. (15)(–4)
(–8)(–10)
25. (–12)(–9)
(– 27)(15)
26. (–2)(–6)(–1)
(2)(–3)(–2)
27. 3(–5)(–4)
(–2)(–1)(–2)
28. (–2)(3)(–4)5(–6)
(–3)(4)(–5)6(–7)