Skill: Multiply integers

To multiply integers:

1. Multiply the absolute values as if they were whole numbers.
2. Decide the sign:
   • Same signs → positive
   • Different signs → negative
   • Either factor is zero → zero
3. Write the product with the correct sign.

Worked example: $\left(-6\right)(4)$

Step 1: Multiply the absolute values.

$$\vert {-6} \vert \times \vert 4 \vert = 6 \times 4 = 24$$

Step 2: Decide the sign.

The factors have different signs: one is negative and one is positive. Therefore, the product is negative.

Step 3: Write the answer.

$$\left(-6\right)(4) = -24$$

A helpful way to remember the sign rules is that multiplying by a negative reverses a sign. One negative factor causes one reversal, giving a negative result; two negative factors cause two reversals, giving a positive result. If either factor is $0$, the product is always $0$.