8 times 74 is 592, but what is the answer if both 8 and 74 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 8 times negative 74 is positive 592 or negative 592.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 8 times negative 74 is -592 or +592 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 -592 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -592 is correct by setting up the equation negative 8 times negative 74 equals negative 592, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-8) (-74) = (-592)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-74) :
|
| = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-74) 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 592 and denominator of 74 on the right side is the same as 592 divided by 74 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 74 is not equal to -592. The answer must therefore be 592:
-8 x -74 = 592
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 8 times negative 74 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 75?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact