58 times 5 is 290, but what is the answer if both 58 and 5 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 58 times negative 5 is positive 290 or negative 290.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 58 times negative 5 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 58 times negative 5 equals negative 290, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-58) (-5) = (-290)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-5) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-5) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-58) = |
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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:
| (-58) = |
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A numerator of 290 and denominator of 5 on the right side is the same as 290 divided by 5 which is 58. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-58) = (58)
-58 is NOT equal to 58, thus we have proven that negative 58 times negative 5 is not equal to -290. The answer must therefore be 290:
-58 x -5 = 290
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 58 times negative 5 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
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