71 times 86 is 6106, but what is the answer if both 71 and 86 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 71 times negative 86 is positive 6106 or negative 6106.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 71 times negative 86 is -6106 or +6106 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 -6106 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -6106 is correct by setting up the equation negative 71 times negative 86 equals negative 6106, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-71) (-86) = (-6106)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-86) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-86) 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 6106 and denominator of 86 on the right side is the same as 6106 divided by 86 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 86 is not equal to -6106. The answer must therefore be 6106:
-71 x -86 = 6106
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 71 times negative 86 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 87?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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