97 times 4 is 388, but what is the answer if both 97 and 4 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 97 times negative 4 is positive 388 or negative 388.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 97 times negative 4 is -388 or +388 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 -388 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -388 is correct by setting up the equation negative 97 times negative 4 equals negative 388, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-97) (-4) = (-388)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-4) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-4) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-97) = |
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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:
| (-97) = |
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A numerator of 388 and denominator of 4 on the right side is the same as 388 divided by 4 which is 97. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-97) = (97)
-97 is NOT equal to 97, thus we have proven that negative 97 times negative 4 is not equal to -388. The answer must therefore be 388:
-97 x -4 = 388
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 97 times negative 4 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
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