Multiplying Multiple Integers
Multiplying multiple integers is a Grade 6 math skill in Big Ideas Math Advanced 1, Chapter 11: Integers. When multiplying more than two integers, students apply the sign rules to determine the final sign: the product is positive if there is an even number of negative factors, and negative if there is an odd number of negative factors.
Key Concepts
When multiplying three or more integers, multiply from left to right and apply sign rules at each step. The final sign depends on the number of negative factors: an even number of negative factors gives a positive product, an odd number of negative factors gives a negative product.
Common Questions
How do you find the sign when multiplying multiple integers?
Count the number of negative factors. If the count is even, the product is positive. If the count is odd, the product is negative. For example, (-2) x (-3) x (-4) has 3 negative factors (odd), so the product is negative: -24.
What is the rule for multiplying two integers?
Same signs (both positive or both negative) give a positive product. Different signs give a negative product. For example, (-5) x (-3) = 15 (same signs, positive), and (-5) x 3 = -15 (different signs, negative).
Can you give an example of multiplying three integers?
(-2) x 3 x (-4): First, (-2) x 3 = -6. Then (-6) x (-4) = 24. Alternatively, count negatives: 2 negative factors = even, so result is positive. Multiply absolute values: 2 x 3 x 4 = 24.
Where is this skill taught in Big Ideas Math Advanced 1?
Multiplying multiple integers is covered in Chapter 11: Integers of Big Ideas Math Advanced 1, the Grade 6 math textbook.