17 times 13 is 221, but what is the answer if both 17 and 13 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 17 times negative 13 is positive 221 or negative 221.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 17 times negative 13 is -221 or +221 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 -221 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -221 is correct by setting up the equation negative 17 times negative 13 equals negative 221, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-17) (-13) = (-221)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-13) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-13) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-17) = |
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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:
| (-17) = |
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A numerator of 221 and denominator of 13 on the right side is the same as 221 divided by 13 which is 17. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-17) = (17)
-17 is NOT equal to 17, thus we have proven that negative 17 times negative 13 is not equal to -221. The answer must therefore be 221:
-17 x -13 = 221
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 17 times negative 13 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 17 times negative 14?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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