4 times 54 is 216, but what is the answer if both 4 and 54 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 4 times negative 54 is positive 216 or negative 216.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 4 times negative 54 is -216 or +216 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 -216 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -216 is correct by setting up the equation negative 4 times negative 54 equals negative 216, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-4) (-54) = (-216)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-54) :
|
| = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-54) 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 216 and denominator of 54 on the right side is the same as 216 divided by 54 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 54 is not equal to -216. The answer must therefore be 216:
-4 x -54 = 216
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 4 times negative 54 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 55?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact