3 times 87 is 261, but what is the answer if both 3 and 87 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 3 times negative 87 is positive 261 or negative 261.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 3 times negative 87 is -261 or +261 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 -261 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -261 is correct by setting up the equation negative 3 times negative 87 equals negative 261, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-3) (-87) = (-261)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-87) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-87) 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 261 and denominator of 87 on the right side is the same as 261 divided by 87 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 87 is not equal to -261. The answer must therefore be 261:
-3 x -87 = 261
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 3 times negative 87 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 88?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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