8 times 14 is 112, but what is the answer if both 8 and 14 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 8 times negative 14 is positive 112 or negative 112.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 8 times negative 14 is -112 or +112 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 -112 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -112 is correct by setting up the equation negative 8 times negative 14 equals negative 112, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-8) (-14) = (-112)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-14) :
|
| = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-14) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-8) = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the right side both have a minus sign (-) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-8) = |
|
A numerator of 112 and denominator of 14 on the right side is the same as 112 divided by 14 which is 8. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-8) = (8)
-8 is NOT equal to 8, thus we have proven that negative 8 times negative 14 is not equal to -112. The answer must therefore be 112:
-8 x -14 = 112
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 8 times negative 14 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 8 times negative 15?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact