3 times 39 is 117, but what is the answer if both 3 and 39 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 3 times negative 39 is positive 117 or negative 117.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 3 times negative 39 is -117 or +117 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 -117 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -117 is correct by setting up the equation negative 3 times negative 39 equals negative 117, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-3) (-39) = (-117)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-39) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-39) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-3) = |
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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:
| (-3) = |
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A numerator of 117 and denominator of 39 on the right side is the same as 117 divided by 39 which is 3. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-3) = (3)
-3 is NOT equal to 3, thus we have proven that negative 3 times negative 39 is not equal to -117. The answer must therefore be 117:
-3 x -39 = 117
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 3 times negative 39 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 3 times negative 40?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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