5 times 10 is 50, but what is the answer if both 5 and 10 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 5 times negative 10 is positive 50 or negative 50.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 5 times negative 10 is -50 or +50 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 -50 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -50 is correct by setting up the equation negative 5 times negative 10 equals negative 50, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-5) (-10) = (-50)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-10) :
|
| = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-10) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-5) = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the right side both have a minus sign (-) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-5) = |
|
A numerator of 50 and denominator of 10 on the right side is the same as 50 divided by 10 which is 5. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-5) = (5)
-5 is NOT equal to 5, thus we have proven that negative 5 times negative 10 is not equal to -50. The answer must therefore be 50:
-5 x -10 = 50
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 5 times negative 10 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 5 times negative 11?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact