9 times 4 is 36, but what is the answer if both 9 and 4 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 9 times negative 4 is positive 36 or negative 36.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 9 times negative 4 is -36 or +36 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 -36 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -36 is correct by setting up the equation negative 9 times negative 4 equals negative 36, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-9) (-4) = (-36)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-4) :
|
| = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-4) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-9) = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the right side both have a minus sign (-) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-9) = |
|
A numerator of 36 and denominator of 4 on the right side is the same as 36 divided by 4 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 4 is not equal to -36. The answer must therefore be 36:
-9 x -4 = 36
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 9 times negative 4 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 5?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact