By Charlotte Johnson • Updated August 30, 2022
In algebra, a variable is a symbol—usually a letter—that represents an unknown or varying numeric value. Variables can be positive or negative, and understanding how they combine is essential for accurate algebraic manipulation.
Write the product, leaving a blank space where the result will go.
If the factors are different letters, simply write them together (e.g., x · y = xy). If they are the same letter, merge them into a single term (e.g., x · x = x).
Multiplying a negative variable by a positive one yields a negative product. For example, –x · y = –xy.
When the same variable appears twice, express the product with a squared exponent: x · (–x) = –x².
By following these straightforward steps, you can confidently determine both the sign and the form of any product involving negative and positive variables.
