88 times 46 is 4048, but what is the answer if both 88 and 46 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 88 times negative 46 is positive 4048 or negative 4048.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 88 times negative 46 is -4048 or +4048 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 -4048 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -4048 is correct by setting up the equation negative 88 times negative 46 equals negative 4048, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-88) (-46) = (-4048)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-46) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-46) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-88) = |
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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:
| (-88) = |
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A numerator of 4048 and denominator of 46 on the right side is the same as 4048 divided by 46 which is 88. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-88) = (88)
-88 is NOT equal to 88, thus we have proven that negative 88 times negative 46 is not equal to -4048. The answer must therefore be 4048:
-88 x -46 = 4048
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 88 times negative 46 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
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What is negative 88 times negative 47?
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