72 times 37 is 2664, but what is the answer if both 72 and 37 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 72 times negative 37 is positive 2664 or negative 2664.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 72 times negative 37 is -2664 or +2664 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 -2664 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -2664 is correct by setting up the equation negative 72 times negative 37 equals negative 2664, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-72) (-37) = (-2664)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-37) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-37) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-72) = |
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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:
| (-72) = |
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A numerator of 2664 and denominator of 37 on the right side is the same as 2664 divided by 37 which is 72. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-72) = (72)
-72 is NOT equal to 72, thus we have proven that negative 72 times negative 37 is not equal to -2664. The answer must therefore be 2664:
-72 x -37 = 2664
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 72 times negative 37 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 72 times negative 38?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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