7 times 36 is 252, but what is the answer if both 7 and 36 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 7 times negative 36 is positive 252 or negative 252.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 7 times negative 36 is -252 or +252 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 -252 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -252 is correct by setting up the equation negative 7 times negative 36 equals negative 252, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-7) (-36) = (-252)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-36) :
|
| = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-36) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-7) = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the right side both have a minus sign (-) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-7) = |
|
A numerator of 252 and denominator of 36 on the right side is the same as 252 divided by 36 which is 7. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-7) = (7)
-7 is NOT equal to 7, thus we have proven that negative 7 times negative 36 is not equal to -252. The answer must therefore be 252:
-7 x -36 = 252
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 7 times negative 36 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 7 times negative 37?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact