74 times 2 is 148, but what is the answer if both 74 and 2 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 74 times negative 2 is positive 148 or negative 148.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 74 times negative 2 is -148 or +148 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 -148 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -148 is correct by setting up the equation negative 74 times negative 2 equals negative 148, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-74) (-2) = (-148)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-2) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-2) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-74) = |
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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:
| (-74) = |
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A numerator of 148 and denominator of 2 on the right side is the same as 148 divided by 2 which is 74. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-74) = (74)
-74 is NOT equal to 74, thus we have proven that negative 74 times negative 2 is not equal to -148. The answer must therefore be 148:
-74 x -2 = 148
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 74 times negative 2 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
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