3 times 88 is 264, but what is the answer if both 3 and 88 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 3 times negative 88 is positive 264 or negative 264.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 3 times negative 88 is -264 or +264 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 -264 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -264 is correct by setting up the equation negative 3 times negative 88 equals negative 264, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-3) (-88) = (-264)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-88) :
|
| = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-88) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-3) = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the right side both have a minus sign (-) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-3) = |
|
A numerator of 264 and denominator of 88 on the right side is the same as 264 divided by 88 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 88 is not equal to -264. The answer must therefore be 264:
-3 x -88 = 264
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 3 times negative 88 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 89?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact