4 times 73 is 292, but what is the answer if both 4 and 73 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 4 times negative 73 is positive 292 or negative 292.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 4 times negative 73 is -292 or +292 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 -292 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -292 is correct by setting up the equation negative 4 times negative 73 equals negative 292, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-4) (-73) = (-292)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-73) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-73) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-4) = |
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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:
| (-4) = |
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A numerator of 292 and denominator of 73 on the right side is the same as 292 divided by 73 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 73 is not equal to -292. The answer must therefore be 292:
-4 x -73 = 292
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 4 times negative 73 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 74?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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