Question

fill in the blanks with positive or negative.
when multiplying two numbers

• the product is \boxed{a} if both numbers are positive;
• the product is \boxed{b} if both numbers are negative;
• the product is \boxed{c} if one number is negative, and the other number is positive

Explanation:

Step1: Recall sign rules for multiplication

The rule for multiplying two positive numbers: positive × positive = positive. So for A, since both numbers are positive, the product is positive.

Step2: Recall sign rules for multiplication

The rule for multiplying two negative numbers: negative × negative = positive (because the negatives cancel out). So for B, since both numbers are negative, the product is positive.

Step3: Recall sign rules for multiplication

The rule for multiplying a positive and a negative number: positive × negative = negative (or negative × positive = negative). So for C, since one is negative and one is positive, the product is negative.

Answer:

A. positive; B. positive; C. negative