I need help with a math question for pre algebra?

[dana]

can -6x represent a positive number? explain your answer or show an example that supports your answer

 

[Fred S]

Certainly. If x = -5, then the answer is 30, a positive number.

 

[Enigma]

Yes -6x can represent a positive number, as well as a negative number. What you have to keep in mind is that x is a variable, meaning that any number can replace the x. To get a positive number from -6x all you have to do is insert a negative number, that could be -1, -2, -5, -100, etc, because a negative cancels a negative. (-6)*(-2)=12, or you can put in a positive number to get a negative answer (-6)*(2)=-12. The parenthesis are optional, I only typed it here so you can better see what I'm doing, hopefully.

Basically remember, when dealing with two numbers:
+ * + = +
+ * - = -
- * - = +

 

[cubsrock1617]

Yes, if x = any negative number, that would create a positive number.

Say x = -2

-6x = -6(-2) = 12

 

[Mylifejs]

I think so because -6x is a multiplication question and a negative multiplied by a negative is a positive so if x=a negative number, then the answer would be positive.