4 times 28 is 112, but what is the answer if both 4 and 28 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 4 times negative 28 is positive 112 or negative 112.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 4 times negative 28 is -112 or +112 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 -112 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -112 is correct by setting up the equation negative 4 times negative 28 equals negative 112, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-4) (-28) = (-112)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-28) :
|
| = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-28) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-4) = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the right side both have a minus sign (-) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-4) = |
|
A numerator of 112 and denominator of 28 on the right side is the same as 112 divided by 28 which is 4. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-4) = (4)
-4 is NOT equal to 4, thus we have proven that negative 4 times negative 28 is not equal to -112. The answer must therefore be 112:
-4 x -28 = 112
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 4 times negative 28 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 4 times negative 29?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact