Why does multiplying an even amount of negative numbers make a positive result?

Question

I.e., (-2)*1=-2 but (-2)*(-1)=2

In: Mathematics

Answer 1

Separate it out. -2(-2) = -1*-1*2*2. Multiplying -1 by -1 inverts the negative to a positive, leaving 1*2*2, or just 2*2.