86 times 68 is 5848, but what is the answer if both 86 and 68 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 86 times negative 68 is positive 5848 or negative 5848.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 86 times negative 68 is -5848 or +5848 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 -5848 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -5848 is correct by setting up the equation negative 86 times negative 68 equals negative 5848, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-86) (-68) = (-5848)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-68) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-68) 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 5848 and denominator of 68 on the right side is the same as 5848 divided by 68 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 68 is not equal to -5848. The answer must therefore be 5848:
-86 x -68 = 5848
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 86 times negative 68 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 69?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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