2 times 70 is 140, but what is the answer if both 2 and 70 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 2 times negative 70 is positive 140 or negative 140.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 2 times negative 70 is -140 or +140 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 -140 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -140 is correct by setting up the equation negative 2 times negative 70 equals negative 140, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-2) (-70) = (-140)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-70) :
|
| = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-70) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-2) = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the right side both have a minus sign (-) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-2) = |
|
A numerator of 140 and denominator of 70 on the right side is the same as 140 divided by 70 which is 2. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-2) = (2)
-2 is NOT equal to 2, thus we have proven that negative 2 times negative 70 is not equal to -140. The answer must therefore be 140:
-2 x -70 = 140
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 2 times negative 70 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 2 times negative 71?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact