77 times 71 is 5467, but what is the answer if both 77 and 71 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 77 times negative 71 is positive 5467 or negative 5467.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 77 times negative 71 is -5467 or +5467 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 -5467 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -5467 is correct by setting up the equation negative 77 times negative 71 equals negative 5467, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-77) (-71) = (-5467)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-71) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-71) 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 5467 and denominator of 71 on the right side is the same as 5467 divided by 71 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 71 is not equal to -5467. The answer must therefore be 5467:
-77 x -71 = 5467
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 77 times negative 71 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 77 times negative 72?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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