9 times 38 is 342, but what is the answer if both 9 and 38 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 9 times negative 38 is positive 342 or negative 342.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 9 times negative 38 is -342 or +342 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 -342 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -342 is correct by setting up the equation negative 9 times negative 38 equals negative 342, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-9) (-38) = (-342)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-38) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-38) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-9) = |
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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:
| (-9) = |
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A numerator of 342 and denominator of 38 on the right side is the same as 342 divided by 38 which is 9. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-9) = (9)
-9 is NOT equal to 9, thus we have proven that negative 9 times negative 38 is not equal to -342. The answer must therefore be 342:
-9 x -38 = 342
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 9 times negative 38 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 9 times negative 39?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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