18 times 41 is 738, but what is the answer if both 18 and 41 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 18 times negative 41 is positive 738 or negative 738.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 18 times negative 41 is -738 or +738 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 -738 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -738 is correct by setting up the equation negative 18 times negative 41 equals negative 738, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-18) (-41) = (-738)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-41) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-41) 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 738 and denominator of 41 on the right side is the same as 738 divided by 41 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 41 is not equal to -738. The answer must therefore be 738:
-18 x -41 = 738
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 18 times negative 41 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 18 times negative 42?
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