34 times 38 is 1292, but what is the answer if both 34 and 38 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 34 times negative 38 is positive 1292 or negative 1292.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 34 times negative 38 is -1292 or +1292 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 -1292 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -1292 is correct by setting up the equation negative 34 times negative 38 equals negative 1292, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-34) (-38) = (-1292)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-38) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-38) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-34) = |
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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:
| (-34) = |
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A numerator of 1292 and denominator of 38 on the right side is the same as 1292 divided by 38 which is 34. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-34) = (34)
-34 is NOT equal to 34, thus we have proven that negative 34 times negative 38 is not equal to -1292. The answer must therefore be 1292:
-34 x -38 = 1292
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 34 times negative 38 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 34 times negative 39?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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