5 times 73 is 365, but what is the answer if both 5 and 73 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 5 times negative 73 is positive 365 or negative 365.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 5 times negative 73 is -365 or +365 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 -365 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -365 is correct by setting up the equation negative 5 times negative 73 equals negative 365, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-5) (-73) = (-365)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-73) :
|
| = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-73) 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 365 and denominator of 73 on the right side is the same as 365 divided by 73 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 73 is not equal to -365. The answer must therefore be 365:
-5 x -73 = 365
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 5 times negative 73 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 74?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact