32 times 98 is 3136, but what is the answer if both 32 and 98 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 32 times negative 98 is positive 3136 or negative 3136.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 32 times negative 98 is -3136 or +3136 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 -3136 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -3136 is correct by setting up the equation negative 32 times negative 98 equals negative 3136, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-32) (-98) = (-3136)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-98) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-98) 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 3136 and denominator of 98 on the right side is the same as 3136 divided by 98 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 98 is not equal to -3136. The answer must therefore be 3136:
-32 x -98 = 3136
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 32 times negative 98 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 99?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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