4 times 83 is 332, but what is the answer if both 4 and 83 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 4 times negative 83 is positive 332 or negative 332.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 4 times negative 83 is -332 or +332 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 -332 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -332 is correct by setting up the equation negative 4 times negative 83 equals negative 332, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-4) (-83) = (-332)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-83) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-83) 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 332 and denominator of 83 on the right side is the same as 332 divided by 83 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 83 is not equal to -332. The answer must therefore be 332:
-4 x -83 = 332
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 4 times negative 83 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 84?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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