32 times 40 is 1280, but what is the answer if both 32 and 40 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 32 times negative 40 is positive 1280 or negative 1280.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 32 times negative 40 is -1280 or +1280 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 -1280 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -1280 is correct by setting up the equation negative 32 times negative 40 equals negative 1280, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-32) (-40) = (-1280)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-40) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-40) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-32) = |
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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:
| (-32) = |
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A numerator of 1280 and denominator of 40 on the right side is the same as 1280 divided by 40 which is 32. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-32) = (32)
-32 is NOT equal to 32, thus we have proven that negative 32 times negative 40 is not equal to -1280. The answer must therefore be 1280:
-32 x -40 = 1280
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 32 times negative 40 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 32 times negative 41?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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