37 times 4 is 148, but what is the answer if both 37 and 4 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 37 times negative 4 is positive 148 or negative 148.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 37 times negative 4 is -148 or +148 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 -148 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -148 is correct by setting up the equation negative 37 times negative 4 equals negative 148, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-37) (-4) = (-148)
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:
| (-37) = |
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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:
| (-37) = |
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A numerator of 148 and denominator of 4 on the right side is the same as 148 divided by 4 which is 37. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-37) = (37)
-37 is NOT equal to 37, thus we have proven that negative 37 times negative 4 is not equal to -148. The answer must therefore be 148:
-37 x -4 = 148
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 37 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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