48 times 97 is 4656, but what is the answer if both 48 and 97 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 48 times negative 97 is positive 4656 or negative 4656.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 48 times negative 97 is -4656 or +4656 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 -4656 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -4656 is correct by setting up the equation negative 48 times negative 97 equals negative 4656, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-48) (-97) = (-4656)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-97) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-97) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-48) = |
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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:
| (-48) = |
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A numerator of 4656 and denominator of 97 on the right side is the same as 4656 divided by 97 which is 48. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-48) = (48)
-48 is NOT equal to 48, thus we have proven that negative 48 times negative 97 is not equal to -4656. The answer must therefore be 4656:
-48 x -97 = 4656
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 48 times negative 97 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 48 times negative 98?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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