Mathematics ACT Aspire Practice Test 2026 – Complete Study Resource

When multiplying two integers that have different signs, the result is negative. This is because the multiplication of a positive number by a negative number reflects the concept of losing that many units, which gives a negative outcome. For example, if you multiply 5 (a positive integer) by -3 (a negative integer), you are essentially taking away three groups of five, which results in -15.

In contrast, multiplying two integers with the same sign, whether both positive or both negative, yields a positive result, and multiplying any number by zero results in zero. Therefore, the scenario described in the question—where one integer is positive and the other is negative—leads directly to a negative result. Thus, the conclusion that the result will be negative is consistent with the rules of signs in multiplication.