86 times 60 is 5160, but what is the answer if both 86 and 60 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 86 times negative 60 is positive 5160 or negative 5160.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 86 times negative 60 is -5160 or +5160 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 -5160 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -5160 is correct by setting up the equation negative 86 times negative 60 equals negative 5160, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-86) (-60) = (-5160)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-60) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-60) 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 5160 and denominator of 60 on the right side is the same as 5160 divided by 60 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 60 is not equal to -5160. The answer must therefore be 5160:
-86 x -60 = 5160
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 86 times negative 60 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 86 times negative 61?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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