54 times 4 is 216, but what is the answer if both 54 and 4 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 54 times negative 4 is positive 216 or negative 216.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 54 times negative 4 is -216 or +216 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 -216 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -216 is correct by setting up the equation negative 54 times negative 4 equals negative 216, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-54) (-4) = (-216)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-4) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-4) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-54) = |
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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:
| (-54) = |
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A numerator of 216 and denominator of 4 on the right side is the same as 216 divided by 4 which is 54. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-54) = (54)
-54 is NOT equal to 54, thus we have proven that negative 54 times negative 4 is not equal to -216. The answer must therefore be 216:
-54 x -4 = 216
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 54 times negative 4 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
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