3 times 84 is 252, but what is the answer if both 3 and 84 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 3 times negative 84 is positive 252 or negative 252.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 3 times negative 84 is -252 or +252 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 -252 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -252 is correct by setting up the equation negative 3 times negative 84 equals negative 252, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-3) (-84) = (-252)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-84) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-84) 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 252 and denominator of 84 on the right side is the same as 252 divided by 84 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 84 is not equal to -252. The answer must therefore be 252:
-3 x -84 = 252
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 3 times negative 84 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 3 times negative 85?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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