5 times 46 is 230, but what is the answer if both 5 and 46 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 5 times negative 46 is positive 230 or negative 230.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 5 times negative 46 is -230 or +230 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 -230 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -230 is correct by setting up the equation negative 5 times negative 46 equals negative 230, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-5) (-46) = (-230)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-46) :
|
| = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-46) 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 230 and denominator of 46 on the right side is the same as 230 divided by 46 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 46 is not equal to -230. The answer must therefore be 230:
-5 x -46 = 230
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 5 times negative 46 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 47?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact