Algebra Know-It-ALL

absolute value of the multiplier is 2, we double our distance from the “number reflector” with each jump.
Expressed as equations, we have

− 1 × (−2)= 2

2 × (−2)=− 4

− 4 × (−2)= 8

8 × (−2)=− 16

− 16 × (−2)= 32

↓

and so on, forever

Moving Out and In 69

Start at - 1

2

8

• 4


• 16

To 3 2

Figure 5-3 Here is what happens when we start at

−1 and multiply by −2 over and over.

We jump back and forth across the

“number reflector,” doubling our

distance from it with each jump. To

avoid clutter, only the even-integer

points are shown on the number line.