86 times 3 is 258, but what is the answer if both 86 and 3 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 86 times negative 3 is positive 258 or negative 258.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 86 times negative 3 is -258 or +258 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 -258 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -258 is correct by setting up the equation negative 86 times negative 3 equals negative 258, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-86) (-3) = (-258)
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:
| (-86) = |
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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:
| (-86) = |
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A numerator of 258 and denominator of 3 on the right side is the same as 258 divided by 3 which is 86. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-86) = (86)
-86 is NOT equal to 86, thus we have proven that negative 86 times negative 3 is not equal to -258. The answer must therefore be 258:
-86 x -3 = 258
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 86 times negative 3 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
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