Why does multiplying two negative numbers equal a positive number?

Question

Why does multiplying two negative numbers equal a positive number?

In: 1210

Answer 1

2 x 3 = I will give you 2 boxes, three times. You now have 6 boxes.

-2 x 3 = I will give you -2 boxes, three times. You now have -6 boxes, because I took 2 boxes, three times.

-2 x -3 = I will give you -2 boxes, -three times. You now have 6 boxes. I took 2 boxes, and then gave them back, three times.

The opposite of plus is minus. The – indicates the opposite. Instead of giving you boxes, I took them. Instead of keeping them, I gave them back.