Multiplying Integers

In this section, we continue to learn about the topic of integers. Now, we turn to multiplying integers and dividing integers. Let's start by discussing integer multiplication. How do we multiply two or more integers together? When we are multiplying integers, we use the following procedure.
Multiplying Integers:

1. Determine the sign of the product:
   • Same signs produce a positive result: (+) • (+) = + and (-) • (-) = +
   • Different signs produce a negative result: (+) • (-) = - and (-) • (+) = -
2. Multiply absolute values
3. Attach the sign to the answer

Example 1: Multiply (-5) • (-2)
1) Determine the sign, since we have the same signs the result will be positive
2) Multiply the absolute values: 5 • 2 = 10
3) Attach the sign to the answer: Our answer is already positive, so we end up with 10 as the answer
(-5) • (-2) = 10
Example 2: Multiply (-6) • 3
1) Determine the sign, since we have different signs the result will be negative
2) Multiply the absolute values: 6 • 3 = 18
3) Attach the sign to the answer: Our answer needs to be negative, so we end up with -18 as the answer
(-6) • 3 = -18
We think about dividing integers in the same manner:
Dividing Integers:

1. Determine the sign of the product:
   • Same signs produce a positive result: (+) ÷ (+) = + and (-) ÷ (-) = +
   • Different signs produce a negative result: (+) ÷ (-) = - and (-) ÷ (+) = -
2. Divide absolute values
3. Attach the sign to the answer

Example 3: Divide (-15) ÷ 5
1) Determine the sign, since we have different signs the result will be negative
2) Divide the absolute values: 15 ÷ 5 = 3
3) Attach the sign to the answer: Our answer needs to be negative, so we end up with -3 as the answer
(-15) ÷ 5 = -3