11 times 16 is 176, but what is the answer if both 11 and 16 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 11 times negative 16 is positive 176 or negative 176.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 11 times negative 16 is -176 or +176 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 -176 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -176 is correct by setting up the equation negative 11 times negative 16 equals negative 176, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-11) (-16) = (-176)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-16) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-16) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-11) = |
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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:
| (-11) = |
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A numerator of 176 and denominator of 16 on the right side is the same as 176 divided by 16 which is 11. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-11) = (11)
-11 is NOT equal to 11, thus we have proven that negative 11 times negative 16 is not equal to -176. The answer must therefore be 176:
-11 x -16 = 176
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 11 times negative 16 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 11 times negative 17?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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