2 times 4 is 8, but what is the answer if both 2 and 4 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 2 times negative 4 is positive 8 or negative 8.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 2 times negative 4 is -8 or +8 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 -8 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -8 is correct by setting up the equation negative 2 times negative 4 equals negative 8, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-2) (-4) = (-8)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-4) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-4) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-2) = |
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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:
| (-2) = |
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A numerator of 8 and denominator of 4 on the right side is the same as 8 divided by 4 which is 2. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-2) = (2)
-2 is NOT equal to 2, thus we have proven that negative 2 times negative 4 is not equal to -8. The answer must therefore be 8:
-2 x -4 = 8
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 2 times negative 4 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
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