47 times 48 is 2256, but what is the answer if both 47 and 48 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 47 times negative 48 is positive 2256 or negative 2256.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 47 times negative 48 is -2256 or +2256 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 -2256 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -2256 is correct by setting up the equation negative 47 times negative 48 equals negative 2256, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-47) (-48) = (-2256)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-48) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-48) 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 2256 and denominator of 48 on the right side is the same as 2256 divided by 48 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 48 is not equal to -2256. The answer must therefore be 2256:
-47 x -48 = 2256
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 47 times negative 48 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 49?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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