Why does multiplying or dividing two negative numbers produce a positive?

Question

Why does multiplying or dividing two negative numbers produce a positive?

In: Mathematics

Answer 1

Multiplying is easier to grasp.

Let’s go with a small problem. -2×2

Let’s label the negatives using dots. A ° is a negative.

So -2 = °°

If I have -2 two times that means I have °° °°

So count how many negative dots we have. We have °°°°. Which is 4 negative counters. Or -4.