86 times 61 is 5246, but what is the answer if both 86 and 61 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 86 times negative 61 is positive 5246 or negative 5246.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 86 times negative 61 is -5246 or +5246 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 -5246 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -5246 is correct by setting up the equation negative 86 times negative 61 equals negative 5246, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-86) (-61) = (-5246)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-61) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-61) 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 5246 and denominator of 61 on the right side is the same as 5246 divided by 61 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 61 is not equal to -5246. The answer must therefore be 5246:
-86 x -61 = 5246
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 86 times negative 61 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 62?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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