what is -3 times 4

Lets first expand -3 x 4. This is the expanded form: -3 + (-3) + (-3) + (-3).

First you have to add, -3 + (-3) = -6 since basically you subtracting -3 - 3 which on a number line you would be moving back 3 spaces. So that would equal -6. Next you must do -6 - (-3) = -9 which you are doing the same thing, moving back 3 spaces on a number line. Repeat that another time. Finally -9 + (-3) = -12.

So the solution to the problem is -12.