8 times 56 is 448, but what is the answer if both 8 and 56 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 8 times negative 56 is positive 448 or negative 448.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 8 times negative 56 is -448 or +448 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 -448 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -448 is correct by setting up the equation negative 8 times negative 56 equals negative 448, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-8) (-56) = (-448)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-56) :
|
| = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-56) 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 448 and denominator of 56 on the right side is the same as 448 divided by 56 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 56 is not equal to -448. The answer must therefore be 448:
-8 x -56 = 448
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 8 times negative 56 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 57?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact