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

Turn around 180 degrees. Then do it again. Now you’re facing the same way you started. Also, you can almost think of it like this:

Imagine 3×4 as saying “take 3 steps forward. Do this 4 times.”

Then -3×4 could be thought of as saying “turn around. Then take 3 steps forward. Repeat the 3 steps 4 times.” In this case, you’ll walk the same amount, just in the opposite direction.

So now, think of -3 × -4 as “turn around. Take 3 steps backwards. Repeat the 3 steps 4 times.” Since you turned around but then walked backwards, you’ll end up in the same place as the 1st scenario. Thus, -3 x -4 must be the same as 3 x 4.

**Edited to fix some typos