Why does minus 2 x minus 2 equal 4?

Because you are multiplying a negative & A negative. You can fully understand by closing eyes & reopening them. + will mean positive & - will mean negative. ++: Keep your eyes open, then keep your eyes open again. The eyes will be open. So ++=+. +-: Keep your eyes open, then close your eyes. Your eyes will be closed, so +-=-. --: close your eyes, open your eyes. Your eyes will be open so --=+. Think of -2 * -2 as 2 * 2. You know 22=4. So -2-2=4.