57 times 4 is 228, but what is the answer if both 57 and 4 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 57 times negative 4 is positive 228 or negative 228.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 57 times negative 4 is -228 or +228 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 -228 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -228 is correct by setting up the equation negative 57 times negative 4 equals negative 228, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-57) (-4) = (-228)
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:
| (-57) = |
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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:
| (-57) = |
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A numerator of 228 and denominator of 4 on the right side is the same as 228 divided by 4 which is 57. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-57) = (57)
-57 is NOT equal to 57, thus we have proven that negative 57 times negative 4 is not equal to -228. The answer must therefore be 228:
-57 x -4 = 228
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 57 times negative 4 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
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