Re: Physical interpretaion of -2*-3


anand_bheemaraju@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
> Here is a simple question posed to us (me and my friends) by our
> lecturer , the question goes like this ,
>
> Consider the physical interpretation of 2*3=6 -> if you place 2
> objects into a box 3 times , we get totally 6 objects in the box.
>
> Consider the physical interpretation of -2*3=-6 -> if you remove 2
> objects at a time , 3 times from a box , the box would contain totally
> 6 objects less.
>
> Now how do you physically interpret -2*-3=6 ?

If I define North as positive but turn around and face South,
then a 2-foot stride forwards makes a negative displacement
(with respect to North).

If I continue to face South and take 3 2-foot strides backwards,
then I have made a 6-foot positive displacement (North) even
though I was facing in a negative direction and made negative
steps.

.