53 times 3 is 159, but what is the answer if both 53 and 3 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 53 times negative 3 is positive 159 or negative 159.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 53 times negative 3 is -159 or +159 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 -159 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -159 is correct by setting up the equation negative 53 times negative 3 equals negative 159, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-53) (-3) = (-159)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-3) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-3) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-53) = |
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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:
| (-53) = |
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A numerator of 159 and denominator of 3 on the right side is the same as 159 divided by 3 which is 53. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-53) = (53)
-53 is NOT equal to 53, thus we have proven that negative 53 times negative 3 is not equal to -159. The answer must therefore be 159:
-53 x -3 = 159
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 53 times negative 3 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
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