When you multiply a negative number by a positive number, the result is always negative. This is a fundamental rule in mathematics.
For example, consider the multiplication of -3 and 4:
-3 × 4 = -12
Here’s why this rule holds true: Think of multiplication as repeated addition. A negative number can be thought of as losing or taking away something. So when you multiply a negative number by a positive number, you’re essentially subtracting or losing that positive quantity multiple times.
In our example, if you think of -3 times 4, it’s like taking away 4 three times. Thus, it results in -12, illustrating how a negative multiplied by a positive always leads to a negative outcome.