Multiplying Integers

In this page we are going to discuss about multiplying integers concept. The integers are formed by the natural numbers including 0 (0, 1, 2, 3, ...) together with the negatives of the non-zero natural numbers (−1, −2, −3, ...). Viewed as subset of the real numbers, they are numbers that can be written without a fractional or decimal component, and fall within the set {... −2, −1, 0, 1, 2, ...}. For example, 65, 7, and −756 are integers; 1.6 and 1½ are not integers.

Positive and Negative Integers

All the whole numbers larger than zero (1, 2, 3, 4, 5...) are positive integers and it has the positive symbol and every whole numbers lesser than zero (-1, -2, -3, -4, -5 …) are negative integers and it has the negative symbol. We need not assume about zero. Every positive integer has a negative integer. For example, -5 is the opposite of 5.

Multiplication Rules for integers

The following four kinds of rules are placed in multiplication of integers.

• Positive value x Positive value = Positive value

• Positive value x Negative value = Negative value

• Negative value x Positive value = Negative value

• Negative value x Negative value = Positive value

The first rule give details that working with the positive numbers in multiplication always provides positive answers. The second and third rule clarifies that 2 x -3 has same answer as -3 x 2, which is always true for all integers. The fourth rule is applicable only when two values of the negative symbol is multiplied, than the solution will be in positive numbers.

Multiplying integers examples

Below are the examples on multiplying integers  -

Example 1:   Find the Multiplication of the integers: 5 x 6

Solution :  Given (5) × (6)

= |5| × |6|

= 5 × 6

= 30

Example 2: Find the Multiplication of the integers: 4 x (-5)

Solution :     Given 4 x (-5)

= | 4 | × | -5 |

= 4 × -5

= -30

Example 3:  Find the Multiplication of the integers: -3 x (6)

Solution :  Given -3 x (6)

= | -3 | × | 6 |

= -3 × 6

= -18


Example 4: Find the Multiplication of the integers: -4 x (-8)

Solution :   Given (-4) x (-8)

= | -4 | × | -8 |

= -4 × -8

= 32