How do you solve Multiplication equations with negative number?

Question

How do you solve multiplication equations with negative numbers. Ex: -8x = 20 or -25 = -5r

Answer 1

The general rule is that a positive (+) multiplied by a positive (+) is itself POSITIVE (+), i.e. + x + = +

A negative (-) multiplied by a negative (-) is POSITIVE (+), i.e. - x - = +

A negative (-) multiplied by a positive (+) is NEGATIVE (-), i.e. - x + = - and + x - = -

-8x=20 ==> x = 20/(-8) = -2.5 This is a case where a - x - = + (-8 x -2.5 = 20)

-25=-5r ==> -25/(-5) = 5 = r. This is a case where a + x - = - (-5 x 5 = -25)