86 times 97 is 8342, but what is the answer if both 86 and 97 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 86 times negative 97 is positive 8342 or negative 8342.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 86 times negative 97 is -8342 or +8342 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 -8342 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -8342 is correct by setting up the equation negative 86 times negative 97 equals negative 8342, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-86) (-97) = (-8342)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-97) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-97) 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 8342 and denominator of 97 on the right side is the same as 8342 divided by 97 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 97 is not equal to -8342. The answer must therefore be 8342:
-86 x -97 = 8342
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 86 times negative 97 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
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