X*-x =0 ???

Question

1 * -1 = 0. Why doesnt 1 (-1) times = 0. I do inventory, if i have x product, (x = 1) , and use x product (x=-1) that leaves me with zero product , so x used -x times should equal zero?

Answer 1

If you have one unit of inventory and then use it, the "new" inventory level would be found by SUBTRACTION, not multiplication.  

 

1 - 1 = 0

Answer 2

If you add 1 + -1, you do get zero. 

 

However, 1 (-1) means 1 group of -1. Therefore, one group of -1 is simply -1.

 

Hope that helps!