5 times 66 is 330, but what is the answer if both 5 and 66 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 5 times negative 66 is positive 330 or negative 330.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 5 times negative 66 is -330 or +330 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 -330 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -330 is correct by setting up the equation negative 5 times negative 66 equals negative 330, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-5) (-66) = (-330)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-66) :
|
| = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-66) 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 330 and denominator of 66 on the right side is the same as 330 divided by 66 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 66 is not equal to -330. The answer must therefore be 330:
-5 x -66 = 330
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 5 times negative 66 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 67?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact