76 times 3 is 228, but what is the answer if both 76 and 3 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 76 times negative 3 is positive 228 or negative 228.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 76 times negative 3 is -228 or +228 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 -228 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -228 is correct by setting up the equation negative 76 times negative 3 equals negative 228, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-76) (-3) = (-228)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-3) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-3) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-76) = |
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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:
| (-76) = |
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A numerator of 228 and denominator of 3 on the right side is the same as 228 divided by 3 which is 76. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-76) = (76)
-76 is NOT equal to 76, thus we have proven that negative 76 times negative 3 is not equal to -228. The answer must therefore be 228:
-76 x -3 = 228
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 76 times negative 3 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
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