16 times 53 is 848, but what is the answer if both 16 and 53 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 16 times negative 53 is positive 848 or negative 848.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 16 times negative 53 is -848 or +848 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 -848 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -848 is correct by setting up the equation negative 16 times negative 53 equals negative 848, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-16) (-53) = (-848)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-53) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-53) 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 848 and denominator of 53 on the right side is the same as 848 divided by 53 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 53 is not equal to -848. The answer must therefore be 848:
-16 x -53 = 848
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 16 times negative 53 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 16 times negative 54?
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