3 times 4 is 12, but what is the answer if both 3 and 4 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 3 times negative 4 is positive 12 or negative 12.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 3 times negative 4 is -12 or +12 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 -12 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -12 is correct by setting up the equation negative 3 times negative 4 equals negative 12, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-3) (-4) = (-12)
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:
| (-3) = |
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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:
| (-3) = |
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A numerator of 12 and denominator of 4 on the right side is the same as 12 divided by 4 which is 3. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-3) = (3)
-3 is NOT equal to 3, thus we have proven that negative 3 times negative 4 is not equal to -12. The answer must therefore be 12:
-3 x -4 = 12
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 3 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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