71 times 60 is 4260, but what is the answer if both 71 and 60 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 71 times negative 60 is positive 4260 or negative 4260.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 71 times negative 60 is -4260 or +4260 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 -4260 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -4260 is correct by setting up the equation negative 71 times negative 60 equals negative 4260, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-71) (-60) = (-4260)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-60) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-60) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-71) = |
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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:
| (-71) = |
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A numerator of 4260 and denominator of 60 on the right side is the same as 4260 divided by 60 which is 71. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-71) = (71)
-71 is NOT equal to 71, thus we have proven that negative 71 times negative 60 is not equal to -4260. The answer must therefore be 4260:
-71 x -60 = 4260
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 71 times negative 60 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 71 times negative 61?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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