21 times 26 is 546, but what is the answer if both 21 and 26 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 21 times negative 26 is positive 546 or negative 546.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 21 times negative 26 is -546 or +546 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 -546 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -546 is correct by setting up the equation negative 21 times negative 26 equals negative 546, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-21) (-26) = (-546)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-26) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-26) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-21) = |
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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:
| (-21) = |
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A numerator of 546 and denominator of 26 on the right side is the same as 546 divided by 26 which is 21. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-21) = (21)
-21 is NOT equal to 21, thus we have proven that negative 21 times negative 26 is not equal to -546. The answer must therefore be 546:
-21 x -26 = 546
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 21 times negative 26 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 21 times negative 27?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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