77 times 3 is 231, but what is the answer if both 77 and 3 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 77 times negative 3 is positive 231 or negative 231.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 77 times negative 3 is -231 or +231 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 -231 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -231 is correct by setting up the equation negative 77 times negative 3 equals negative 231, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-77) (-3) = (-231)
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:
| (-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 231 and denominator of 3 on the right side is the same as 231 divided by 3 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 3 is not equal to -231. The answer must therefore be 231:
-77 x -3 = 231
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 77 times negative 3 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
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