8 times 53 is 424, but what is the answer if both 8 and 53 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 8 times negative 53 is positive 424 or negative 424.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 8 times negative 53 is -424 or +424 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 -424 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -424 is correct by setting up the equation negative 8 times negative 53 equals negative 424, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-8) (-53) = (-424)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-53) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-53) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-8) = |
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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:
| (-8) = |
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A numerator of 424 and denominator of 53 on the right side is the same as 424 divided by 53 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 53 is not equal to -424. The answer must therefore be 424:
-8 x -53 = 424
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 8 times negative 53 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 54?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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