33 times 4 is 132, but what is the answer if both 33 and 4 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 33 times negative 4 is positive 132 or negative 132.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 33 times negative 4 is -132 or +132 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 -132 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -132 is correct by setting up the equation negative 33 times negative 4 equals negative 132, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-33) (-4) = (-132)
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:
| (-33) = |
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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:
| (-33) = |
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A numerator of 132 and denominator of 4 on the right side is the same as 132 divided by 4 which is 33. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-33) = (33)
-33 is NOT equal to 33, thus we have proven that negative 33 times negative 4 is not equal to -132. The answer must therefore be 132:
-33 x -4 = 132
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 33 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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