4 times 77 is 308, but what is the answer if both 4 and 77 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 4 times negative 77 is positive 308 or negative 308.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 4 times negative 77 is -308 or +308 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 -308 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -308 is correct by setting up the equation negative 4 times negative 77 equals negative 308, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-4) (-77) = (-308)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-77) :
|
| = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-77) 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 308 and denominator of 77 on the right side is the same as 308 divided by 77 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 77 is not equal to -308. The answer must therefore be 308:
-4 x -77 = 308
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 4 times negative 77 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 78?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact