77 times 2 is 154, but what is the answer if both 77 and 2 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 77 times negative 2 is positive 154 or negative 154.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 77 times negative 2 is -154 or +154 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 -154 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -154 is correct by setting up the equation negative 77 times negative 2 equals negative 154, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-77) (-2) = (-154)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-2) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-2) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-77) = |
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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:
| (-77) = |
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A numerator of 154 and denominator of 2 on the right side is the same as 154 divided by 2 which is 77. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-77) = (77)
-77 is NOT equal to 77, thus we have proven that negative 77 times negative 2 is not equal to -154. The answer must therefore be 154:
-77 x -2 = 154
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 77 times negative 2 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
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