5 times 58 is 290, but what is the answer if both 5 and 58 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 5 times negative 58 is positive 290 or negative 290.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 5 times negative 58 is -290 or +290 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 -290 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -290 is correct by setting up the equation negative 5 times negative 58 equals negative 290, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-5) (-58) = (-290)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-58) :
|
| = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-58) 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 290 and denominator of 58 on the right side is the same as 290 divided by 58 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 58 is not equal to -290. The answer must therefore be 290:
-5 x -58 = 290
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 5 times negative 58 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 59?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact