76 times 4 is 304, but what is the answer if both 76 and 4 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 76 times negative 4 is positive 304 or negative 304.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 76 times negative 4 is -304 or +304 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 -304 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -304 is correct by setting up the equation negative 76 times negative 4 equals negative 304, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-76) (-4) = (-304)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-4) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-4) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-76) = |
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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:
| (-76) = |
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A numerator of 304 and denominator of 4 on the right side is the same as 304 divided by 4 which is 76. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-76) = (76)
-76 is NOT equal to 76, thus we have proven that negative 76 times negative 4 is not equal to -304. The answer must therefore be 304:
-76 x -4 = 304
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 76 times negative 4 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
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