73 times 86 is 6278, but what is the answer if both 73 and 86 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 73 times negative 86 is positive 6278 or negative 6278.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 73 times negative 86 is -6278 or +6278 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 -6278 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -6278 is correct by setting up the equation negative 73 times negative 86 equals negative 6278, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-73) (-86) = (-6278)
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:
| (-73) = |
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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:
| (-73) = |
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A numerator of 6278 and denominator of 86 on the right side is the same as 6278 divided by 86 which is 73. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-73) = (73)
-73 is NOT equal to 73, thus we have proven that negative 73 times negative 86 is not equal to -6278. The answer must therefore be 6278:
-73 x -86 = 6278
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 73 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 73 times negative 87?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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