Why is the reaction rate for reactants defined as the negative  of the change in reactant concentration with respect to time, whereas for products it is defined as the change in reactant concentration with respect to time (with a positive sign)?

Introductory Chemistry: An Active Learning Approach
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ISBN:9781305079250
Author:Mark S. Cracolice, Ed Peters
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Chapter18: Chemical Equilibrium
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 18.4TC: a What happens to a reaction rate as temperature drops? Give two explanations for the change. State...
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  Why is the reaction rate for reactants defined as the negative  of the change in reactant concentration with respect to time, whereas for products it is defined as the change in reactant concentration with respect to time (with a positive sign)? 

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