72 times 47 is 3384, but what is the answer if both 72 and 47 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 72 times negative 47 is positive 3384 or negative 3384.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 72 times negative 47 is -3384 or +3384 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 -3384 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -3384 is correct by setting up the equation negative 72 times negative 47 equals negative 3384, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-72) (-47) = (-3384)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-47) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-47) 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 3384 and denominator of 47 on the right side is the same as 3384 divided by 47 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 47 is not equal to -3384. The answer must therefore be 3384:
-72 x -47 = 3384
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 72 times negative 47 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
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