16 times 16 is 256, but what is the answer if both 16 and 16 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 16 times negative 16 is positive 256 or negative 256.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 16 times negative 16 is -256 or +256 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 -256 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -256 is correct by setting up the equation negative 16 times negative 16 equals negative 256, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-16) (-16) = (-256)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-16) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-16) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-16) = |
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The numerator and denominator on the right side both have a minus sign (-) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-16) = |
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A numerator of 256 and denominator of 16 on the right side is the same as 256 divided by 16 which is 16. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-16) = (16)
-16 is NOT equal to 16, thus we have proven that negative 16 times negative 16 is not equal to -256. The answer must therefore be 256:
-16 x -16 = 256
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 16 times negative 16 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
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Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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