44 times 3 is 132, but what is the answer if both 44 and 3 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 44 times negative 3 is positive 132 or negative 132.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 44 times negative 3 is -132 or +132 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 -132 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -132 is correct by setting up the equation negative 44 times negative 3 equals negative 132, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-44) (-3) = (-132)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-3) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-3) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-44) = |
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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:
| (-44) = |
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A numerator of 132 and denominator of 3 on the right side is the same as 132 divided by 3 which is 44. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-44) = (44)
-44 is NOT equal to 44, thus we have proven that negative 44 times negative 3 is not equal to -132. The answer must therefore be 132:
-44 x -3 = 132
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 44 times negative 3 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
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