18 times 17 is 306, but what is the answer if both 18 and 17 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 18 times negative 17 is positive 306 or negative 306.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 18 times negative 17 is -306 or +306 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 -306 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -306 is correct by setting up the equation negative 18 times negative 17 equals negative 306, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-18) (-17) = (-306)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-17) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-17) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-18) = |
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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:
| (-18) = |
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A numerator of 306 and denominator of 17 on the right side is the same as 306 divided by 17 which is 18. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-18) = (18)
-18 is NOT equal to 18, thus we have proven that negative 18 times negative 17 is not equal to -306. The answer must therefore be 306:
-18 x -17 = 306
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 18 times negative 17 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
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