1 times 52 is 52, but what is the answer if both 1 and 52 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 1 times negative 52 is positive 52 or negative 52.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 1 times negative 52 is -52 or +52 using mathematical terms such as additive inverse and mathematical laws like the Distribute Law.
We will take a different approach - process of elimination: We will simply test if -52 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -52 is correct by setting up the equation negative 1 times negative 52 equals negative 52, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-1) (-52) = (-52)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-52) :
|
| = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-52) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-1) = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the right side both have a minus sign (-) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-1) = |
|
A numerator of 52 and denominator of 52 on the right side is the same as 52 divided by 52 which is 1. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-1) = (1)
-1 is NOT equal to 1, thus we have proven that negative 1 times negative 52 is not equal to -52. The answer must therefore be 52:
-1 x -52 = 52
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 1 times negative 52 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 1 times negative 53?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact