5 times 25 is 125, but what is the answer if both 5 and 25 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 5 times negative 25 is positive 125 or negative 125.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 5 times negative 25 is -125 or +125 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 -125 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -125 is correct by setting up the equation negative 5 times negative 25 equals negative 125, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-5) (-25) = (-125)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-25) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-25) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-5) = |
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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:
| (-5) = |
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A numerator of 125 and denominator of 25 on the right side is the same as 125 divided by 25 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 25 is not equal to -125. The answer must therefore be 125:
-5 x -25 = 125
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 5 times negative 25 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 26?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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