38 times 81 is 3078, but what is the answer if both 38 and 81 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 38 times negative 81 is positive 3078 or negative 3078.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 38 times negative 81 is -3078 or +3078 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 -3078 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -3078 is correct by setting up the equation negative 38 times negative 81 equals negative 3078, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-38) (-81) = (-3078)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-81) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-81) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-38) = |
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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:
| (-38) = |
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A numerator of 3078 and denominator of 81 on the right side is the same as 3078 divided by 81 which is 38. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-38) = (38)
-38 is NOT equal to 38, thus we have proven that negative 38 times negative 81 is not equal to -3078. The answer must therefore be 3078:
-38 x -81 = 3078
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 38 times negative 81 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 38 times negative 82?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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