46 times 10 is 460, but what is the answer if both 46 and 10 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 46 times negative 10 is positive 460 or negative 460.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 46 times negative 10 is -460 or +460 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 -460 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -460 is correct by setting up the equation negative 46 times negative 10 equals negative 460, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-46) (-10) = (-460)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-10) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-10) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-46) = |
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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:
| (-46) = |
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A numerator of 460 and denominator of 10 on the right side is the same as 460 divided by 10 which is 46. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-46) = (46)
-46 is NOT equal to 46, thus we have proven that negative 46 times negative 10 is not equal to -460. The answer must therefore be 460:
-46 x -10 = 460
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 46 times negative 10 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 46 times negative 11?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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