I've memorized it but it makes no sense to me, so I keep second-guessing signs on tests.
Accepted answer
Follow a pattern down and let it stay consistent:
```
3 × (−2) = −6
2 × (−2) = −4
1 × (−2) = −2
0 × (−2) = 0
```
Each time the first factor drops by 1, the answer goes **up by 2**. Keep going:
```
(−1) × (−2) = 2
(−2) × (−2) = 4
```
The rule isn't arbitrary — it's the only choice that keeps arithmetic consistent.
Another way in: multiplying by a negative *reverses direction*. `−2` means "2 in the opposite direction." Reversing an already-reversed direction points you forward again.