What is -5 multiplied by 12?

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Multiple Choice

What is -5 multiplied by 12?

Explanation:
When you multiply a negative number by a positive number, the result is negative. You multiply the absolute values: |−5| × |12| = 5 × 12 = 60. Put the negative sign in front, and you get −60. This matches the idea that taking away 12 five times leaves you with a deficit of 60. If the sign were ignored, you’d get +60. A result like −12 would come from multiplying a smaller negative (like −1) by 12, which isn’t the case here. A zero would only occur if one of the factors were 0.

When you multiply a negative number by a positive number, the result is negative. You multiply the absolute values: |−5| × |12| = 5 × 12 = 60. Put the negative sign in front, and you get −60. This matches the idea that taking away 12 five times leaves you with a deficit of 60.

If the sign were ignored, you’d get +60. A result like −12 would come from multiplying a smaller negative (like −1) by 12, which isn’t the case here. A zero would only occur if one of the factors were 0.

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