11 times 20 is 220, but what is the answer if both 11 and 20 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 11 times negative 20 is positive 220 or negative 220.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 11 times negative 20 is -220 or +220 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 -220 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -220 is correct by setting up the equation negative 11 times negative 20 equals negative 220, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-11) (-20) = (-220)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-20) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-20) 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 220 and denominator of 20 on the right side is the same as 220 divided by 20 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 20 is not equal to -220. The answer must therefore be 220:
-11 x -20 = 220
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 11 times negative 20 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 21?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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