I need helpt with this
Use the pattern approach to explain why each of the following multiplication equation is true.
(a) (-3) • (4) = -12
(b) (-3) • (-4) = 12
Thanks
Sure! To explain each of these multiplication equations using the pattern approach, we can start by understanding the basics of multiplying positive and negative numbers.
In a multiplication equation, the sign of the product is determined by the signs of the two factors. Here are the key rules to keep in mind:
1. Multiplying two positive numbers always results in a positive product.
2. Multiplying two negative numbers also results in a positive product.
3. Multiplying a positive number by a negative number results in a negative product.
Now, let's apply these rules to each equation:
(a) (-3) • (4) = -12
In this equation, you are multiplying a negative number (-3) by a positive number (4). As per rule 3, when a positive number is multiplied by a negative number, the product is negative. Therefore, the product of (-3) • (4) is -12.
You can also verify this by performing the multiplication:
(-3) • (4) = -12
(b) (-3) • (-4) = 12
In this equation, you are multiplying two negative numbers (-3 and -4). As per rule 2, when two negative numbers are multiplied, the product is positive. Therefore, the product of (-3) • (-4) is 12.
Again, you can check this result by performing the multiplication:
(-3) • (-4) = 12
So, using the pattern approach and applying the rules for multiplying positive and negative numbers, we can see that both equations are true.