Multiplication of Integers

This lesson introduces multiplying and dividing integers. We have

studied multiplying whole numbers in the previous classes, but
multiplying positive and negative numbers may be new. Look for patterns. The
only different thing is the sign of the answer may change. Multiplication and
division itself are still the same as it always has been.

Multiplying Integers Using Counters

For any two numbers 3 and 4, 3×4 is the same as saying 3 group
of 4. Remember, 3 and 4 are called factors, and their answer is the product of
a multiplication problem.
So, the product 3×4 can be represented by:

[Figure 1]
The product 3×(−4) can be represented by:

[Figure 2]
The product (−1)×4 can be represented by 'the negative of 1 group of 4':

[Figure 3]
Similarly, the product (−3)×4 can be represented by 'the negative of 3 groups of
4':

[Figure 4]
The product (−3)×(−4) can be represented by:

[Figure 5]

Rules for Multiplying Integers

Multiplying integers is a very straightforward process. Just follow the basic

rules, and you’ll get the correct answers every time.

 A positive number times a positive number equals a positive number.

 A positive number times a negative number equals a negative number.

 A negative number times a positive number equals a negative number.

 A negative number times a negative number equals a positive number.

 Any integer times zero equals zero.

Steps for Multiplying Integers

To multiply two integers we follow the steps:

Step 1: First, multiply the absolute value of the factors.
Step 2: Next, determine the sign of the product according to the above-given
rules.
Step 3: Your product will be your result from step 1 with the sign from step 2.
It might help to remember that if the original two integers have the same sign,
then their product will be positive. If the original two integers have different
signs, then their product will be negative.
Note: When the number of negative integers in a product is odd, the product is
negative and when the number of negative integers in a product is even, the
product is positive.
1) Multiply (−8)and (−5).
The first step is to multiply the absolute value of the factors. This means you
are ignoring the negative signs for now.
|−8|×|−5|=8×5=40
The next step is to decide on the sign of your answer. Both factors were negative and a negative
times a negative equals a positive. This means your product is positive.
(−8)×(−5)=40
The answer is 40.
2) Multiply (6) and (−4).
Again, the first step is to multiply the absolute value of the factors. Don't worry
about the negative sign for now.
|6|×|−4|=6×4=24
The next step is to decide on the sign of your answer. The two factors had different signs. A
negative times a positive is a negative. This means your product is negative.
(6)×(−4)=−24
The answer is -24.
You can use the same process to multiply more than two integers together.
Just work from left to right and multiply two factors at a time.

Reference:

Multiplying and Dividing Integers - Steps, Rules, Interactives and Examples | CK-12 Foundation (ck12.org)