28 times 10 is 280, but what is the answer if both 28 and 10 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 28 times negative 10 is positive 280 or negative 280.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 28 times negative 10 is -280 or +280 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 -280 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -280 is correct by setting up the equation negative 28 times negative 10 equals negative 280, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-28) (-10) = (-280)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-10) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-10) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-28) = |
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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:
| (-28) = |
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A numerator of 280 and denominator of 10 on the right side is the same as 280 divided by 10 which is 28. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-28) = (28)
-28 is NOT equal to 28, thus we have proven that negative 28 times negative 10 is not equal to -280. The answer must therefore be 280:
-28 x -10 = 280
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 28 times negative 10 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
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