When multiplying two rational numbers, how is the sign of the product determined
The sign of the product of two rational numbers is determined as follows:
- If the two rational numbers have the same sign (both positive or both negative), the product is positive.
- If the two rational numbers have different signs (one is positive and the other is negative), the product is negative.
For example:
- When multiplying 3/4 and 5/6, both numbers are positive, so the product is positive.
- When multiplying -1/2 and 3/5, one number is negative and the other is positive, so the product is negative.