56 times 4 is 224, but what is the answer if both 56 and 4 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 56 times negative 4 is positive 224 or negative 224.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 56 times negative 4 is -224 or +224 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 -224 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -224 is correct by setting up the equation negative 56 times negative 4 equals negative 224, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-56) (-4) = (-224)
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:
| (-56) = |
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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:
| (-56) = |
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A numerator of 224 and denominator of 4 on the right side is the same as 224 divided by 4 which is 56. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-56) = (56)
-56 is NOT equal to 56, thus we have proven that negative 56 times negative 4 is not equal to -224. The answer must therefore be 224:
-56 x -4 = 224
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 56 times negative 4 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
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