85 times 53 is 4505, but what is the answer if both 85 and 53 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 85 times negative 53 is positive 4505 or negative 4505.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 85 times negative 53 is -4505 or +4505 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 -4505 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -4505 is correct by setting up the equation negative 85 times negative 53 equals negative 4505, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-85) (-53) = (-4505)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-53) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-53) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-85) = |
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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:
| (-85) = |
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A numerator of 4505 and denominator of 53 on the right side is the same as 4505 divided by 53 which is 85. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-85) = (85)
-85 is NOT equal to 85, thus we have proven that negative 85 times negative 53 is not equal to -4505. The answer must therefore be 4505:
-85 x -53 = 4505
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 85 times negative 53 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 85 times negative 54?
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