1 times 88 is 88, but what is the answer if both 1 and 88 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 1 times negative 88 is positive 88 or negative 88.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 1 times negative 88 is -88 or +88 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 -88 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -88 is correct by setting up the equation negative 1 times negative 88 equals negative 88, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-1) (-88) = (-88)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-88) :
|
| = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-88) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-1) = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the right side both have a minus sign (-) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-1) = |
|
A numerator of 88 and denominator of 88 on the right side is the same as 88 divided by 88 which is 1. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-1) = (1)
-1 is NOT equal to 1, thus we have proven that negative 1 times negative 88 is not equal to -88. The answer must therefore be 88:
-1 x -88 = 88
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 1 times negative 88 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 1 times negative 89?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact