Without a calculator, evaluate $6 \cdot(-3)$
Answer (1)
Multiply the absolute values: 6 × 3 = 18 .
Determine the sign: positive times negative is negative.
Combine the absolute value and sign: − 18 .
The final answer is − 18 .
Explanation
Problem Analysis We are asked to evaluate the expression 6 \t ⋅ ( − 3 ) without using a calculator. This involves multiplying a positive number by a negative number.
Multiplying Absolute Values To solve this, we first multiply the absolute values of the numbers: 6 ⋅ 3 = 18 .
Determining the Sign Next, we determine the sign of the result. Since we are multiplying a positive number by a negative number, the result will be negative.
Final Answer Therefore, the final answer is − 18 .
Examples
In everyday life, multiplying positive and negative numbers can help calculate financial losses or gains. For example, if you invest $6 in a stock and it loses $3 per share, the total loss can be calculated as 6 ⋅ ( − 3 ) = − $18 , indicating a loss of $18.
