73 times 48 is 3504, but what is the answer if both 73 and 48 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 73 times negative 48 is positive 3504 or negative 3504.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 73 times negative 48 is -3504 or +3504 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 -3504 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -3504 is correct by setting up the equation negative 73 times negative 48 equals negative 3504, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-73) (-48) = (-3504)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-48) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-48) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-73) = |
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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:
| (-73) = |
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A numerator of 3504 and denominator of 48 on the right side is the same as 3504 divided by 48 which is 73. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-73) = (73)
-73 is NOT equal to 73, thus we have proven that negative 73 times negative 48 is not equal to -3504. The answer must therefore be 3504:
-73 x -48 = 3504
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 73 times negative 48 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 73 times negative 49?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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