60 times 8 is 480, but what is the answer if both 60 and 8 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 60 times negative 8 is positive 480 or negative 480.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 60 times negative 8 is -480 or +480 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 -480 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -480 is correct by setting up the equation negative 60 times negative 8 equals negative 480, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-60) (-8) = (-480)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-8) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-8) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-60) = |
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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:
| (-60) = |
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A numerator of 480 and denominator of 8 on the right side is the same as 480 divided by 8 which is 60. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-60) = (60)
-60 is NOT equal to 60, thus we have proven that negative 60 times negative 8 is not equal to -480. The answer must therefore be 480:
-60 x -8 = 480
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 60 times negative 8 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 60 times negative 9?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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