40 times 76 is 3040, but what is the answer if both 40 and 76 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 40 times negative 76 is positive 3040 or negative 3040.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 40 times negative 76 is -3040 or +3040 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 -3040 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -3040 is correct by setting up the equation negative 40 times negative 76 equals negative 3040, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-40) (-76) = (-3040)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-76) :
|
| = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-76) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-40) = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the right side both have a minus sign (-) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-40) = |
|
A numerator of 3040 and denominator of 76 on the right side is the same as 3040 divided by 76 which is 40. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-40) = (40)
-40 is NOT equal to 40, thus we have proven that negative 40 times negative 76 is not equal to -3040. The answer must therefore be 3040:
-40 x -76 = 3040
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 40 times negative 76 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 40 times negative 77?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact