Answer:
Finding the product of two positive numbers and three negative numbers will give us a negative answer because although the two positive numbers and two negative numbers produce a positive result, the extra negative leads to a negative result (positive x negative = negative).
Step-by-step explanation:
The product of positive numbers will always be positive. The product of a positive and negative number will be negative. The product of two negative numbers will be positive. Think of it like this: if the signs are the same, the result is positive, if the signs are different, the result is negative.
For this specific question, you are given two positive numbers and three negative numbers. Let's write this out, using the letter N to represent a number and x representing the multiplication sign.
N1 x N2 x -N3 x -N4 x -N5
The product of the first two Ns will be positive because the signs are the same (both positive).
N1,2 x -N3 x -N4 x -N5
The product of N3 and N4 will also be positive because the signs are the same (both negative).
N1,2 x N3,4 x -N5
Multiplying the first two sets together results in a positive number since the signs are both positive.
N1,2,3,4 x -N5
That leaves the last N (N5). This one is negative. Therefore, your final result is negative because the signs are different.
