2 times 41 is 82, but what is the answer if both 2 and 41 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 2 times negative 41 is positive 82 or negative 82.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 2 times negative 41 is -82 or +82 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 -82 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -82 is correct by setting up the equation negative 2 times negative 41 equals negative 82, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-2) (-41) = (-82)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-41) :
|
| = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-41) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-2) = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the right side both have a minus sign (-) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-2) = |
|
A numerator of 82 and denominator of 41 on the right side is the same as 82 divided by 41 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 41 is not equal to -82. The answer must therefore be 82:
-2 x -41 = 82
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 2 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 2 times negative 42?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact