47 times 12 is 564, but what is the answer if both 47 and 12 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 47 times negative 12 is positive 564 or negative 564.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 47 times negative 12 is -564 or +564 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 -564 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -564 is correct by setting up the equation negative 47 times negative 12 equals negative 564, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-47) (-12) = (-564)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-12) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-12) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-47) = |
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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:
| (-47) = |
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A numerator of 564 and denominator of 12 on the right side is the same as 564 divided by 12 which is 47. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-47) = (47)
-47 is NOT equal to 47, thus we have proven that negative 47 times negative 12 is not equal to -564. The answer must therefore be 564:
-47 x -12 = 564
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 47 times negative 12 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 47 times negative 13?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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