Multiplying Real Numbers

To determine the product of a positive number and a negative number, we can

consider the
multiplication of whole numbers as repeated addition. For example, means four 2s;
thus
Applying this concept to the product of 4 and 2 we get the
following,
Because the order in which we multiply two numbers does not change the product, we
know
the following
Therefore, the product of a positive real number and a negative real number is a
negative
number.
Finally, let�s consider the product of two negative integers. The following pattern
using
integers helps with the reasoning.
To continue this pattern, the product of 1 and 2 has to be 2. In general, this type
of
reasoning helps us realize that the product of any two negative real numbers is a
positive real
number. Using the concept of absolute value, we can describe the multiplication of
real numbers as follows:
1(2) # 2 0(2) # 0 (1)(2) # ?
4(2) # 8 3(2) # 6 2(2) # 4
4(2) # 2(4) # 8
4(2) # 2 (2) (2) (2) # 8
4 # 2 # 2 2 2 2 # 8.
4 # 2
Multiplication of Real Numbers
1. The product of two positive or two negative real numbers is the product of their
absolute values.
2. The product of a positive real number and a negative real number (either order)
is
the opposite of the product of their absolute values.
3. The product of zero and any real number is zero.
The following example illustrates this description of multiplication. Again, the
steps shown
in the dashed boxes can be performed mentally.
Classroom Example
Find the product for each of the
following:
(a)
(b)
(c) a5
6
b a
2
5
b
(7)(11)
(3)(8)
EXAMPLE 7 Find the product for each of the following:
(a) (b) (c)
Solution
(a)
(b)
(c) a 3
4
ba1
3
b # a 3
4 # 1
3 b # a
3
4 # 1
3
b # 1
4
(8)(9) # (#8# # #9#) # (8 # 9) # 72
(6)(7) # #6# # #7# # 6 # 7 # 42
a 3
4
b a1
3 (6)(7) (8)(9) b
Example 7 illustrates a step-by-step process for multiplying real numbers. In
practice, however, the key is to remember that the product of two positive or two
negative numbers is positive, and the product of a positive number and a negative
number (either order) is negative.
16 Chapter 1 � Basic Concepts and Properties
Dividing Real Numbers
The relationship between multiplication and division provides the basis for
dividing real
numbers. For example, we know that 8 # 2 # 4 because 2 # 4 # 8. In other words, the
quotient of two numbers can be found by looking at a related multiplication
problem. In
the following examples, we used this same reasoning to determine some quotients
that
involve integers.