68 times 5 is 340, but what is the answer if both 68 and 5 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 68 times negative 5 is positive 340 or negative 340.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 68 times negative 5 is -340 or +340 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 -340 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -340 is correct by setting up the equation negative 68 times negative 5 equals negative 340, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-68) (-5) = (-340)
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:
| (-68) = |
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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:
| (-68) = |
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A numerator of 340 and denominator of 5 on the right side is the same as 340 divided by 5 which is 68. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-68) = (68)
-68 is NOT equal to 68, thus we have proven that negative 68 times negative 5 is not equal to -340. The answer must therefore be 340:
-68 x -5 = 340
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 68 times negative 5 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
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