53 times 16 is 848, but what is the answer if both 53 and 16 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 53 times negative 16 is positive 848 or negative 848.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 53 times negative 16 is -848 or +848 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 -848 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -848 is correct by setting up the equation negative 53 times negative 16 equals negative 848, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-53) (-16) = (-848)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-16) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-16) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-53) = |
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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:
| (-53) = |
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A numerator of 848 and denominator of 16 on the right side is the same as 848 divided by 16 which is 53. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-53) = (53)
-53 is NOT equal to 53, thus we have proven that negative 53 times negative 16 is not equal to -848. The answer must therefore be 848:
-53 x -16 = 848
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 53 times negative 16 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 53 times negative 17?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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