76 times 85 is 6460, but what is the answer if both 76 and 85 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 76 times negative 85 is positive 6460 or negative 6460.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 76 times negative 85 is -6460 or +6460 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 -6460 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -6460 is correct by setting up the equation negative 76 times negative 85 equals negative 6460, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-76) (-85) = (-6460)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-85) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-85) 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 6460 and denominator of 85 on the right side is the same as 6460 divided by 85 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 85 is not equal to -6460. The answer must therefore be 6460:
-76 x -85 = 6460
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 76 times negative 85 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 76 times negative 86?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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