72 times 84 is 6048, but what is the answer if both 72 and 84 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 72 times negative 84 is positive 6048 or negative 6048.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 72 times negative 84 is -6048 or +6048 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 -6048 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -6048 is correct by setting up the equation negative 72 times negative 84 equals negative 6048, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-72) (-84) = (-6048)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-84) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-84) 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 6048 and denominator of 84 on the right side is the same as 6048 divided by 84 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 84 is not equal to -6048. The answer must therefore be 6048:
-72 x -84 = 6048
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 72 times negative 84 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 85?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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