31 times 3 is 93, but what is the answer if both 31 and 3 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 31 times negative 3 is positive 93 or negative 93.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 31 times negative 3 is -93 or +93 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 -93 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -93 is correct by setting up the equation negative 31 times negative 3 equals negative 93, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-31) (-3) = (-93)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-3) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-3) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-31) = |
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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:
| (-31) = |
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A numerator of 93 and denominator of 3 on the right side is the same as 93 divided by 3 which is 31. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-31) = (31)
-31 is NOT equal to 31, thus we have proven that negative 31 times negative 3 is not equal to -93. The answer must therefore be 93:
-31 x -3 = 93
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 31 times negative 3 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
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