78 times 66 is 5148, but what is the answer if both 78 and 66 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 78 times negative 66 is positive 5148 or negative 5148.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 78 times negative 66 is -5148 or +5148 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 -5148 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -5148 is correct by setting up the equation negative 78 times negative 66 equals negative 5148, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-78) (-66) = (-5148)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-66) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-66) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-78) = |
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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:
| (-78) = |
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A numerator of 5148 and denominator of 66 on the right side is the same as 5148 divided by 66 which is 78. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-78) = (78)
-78 is NOT equal to 78, thus we have proven that negative 78 times negative 66 is not equal to -5148. The answer must therefore be 5148:
-78 x -66 = 5148
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 78 times negative 66 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 78 times negative 67?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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