56 times 96 is 5376, but what is the answer if both 56 and 96 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 56 times negative 96 is positive 5376 or negative 5376.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 56 times negative 96 is -5376 or +5376 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 -5376 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -5376 is correct by setting up the equation negative 56 times negative 96 equals negative 5376, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-56) (-96) = (-5376)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-96) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-96) 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 5376 and denominator of 96 on the right side is the same as 5376 divided by 96 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 96 is not equal to -5376. The answer must therefore be 5376:
-56 x -96 = 5376
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 56 times negative 96 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
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