71 times 18 is 1278, but what is the answer if both 71 and 18 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 71 times negative 18 is positive 1278 or negative 1278.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 71 times negative 18 is -1278 or +1278 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 -1278 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -1278 is correct by setting up the equation negative 71 times negative 18 equals negative 1278, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-71) (-18) = (-1278)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-18) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-18) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-71) = |
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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:
| (-71) = |
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A numerator of 1278 and denominator of 18 on the right side is the same as 1278 divided by 18 which is 71. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-71) = (71)
-71 is NOT equal to 71, thus we have proven that negative 71 times negative 18 is not equal to -1278. The answer must therefore be 1278:
-71 x -18 = 1278
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 71 times negative 18 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
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