87 times 65 is 5655, but what is the answer if both 87 and 65 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 87 times negative 65 is positive 5655 or negative 5655.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 87 times negative 65 is -5655 or +5655 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 -5655 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -5655 is correct by setting up the equation negative 87 times negative 65 equals negative 5655, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-87) (-65) = (-5655)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-65) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-65) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-87) = |
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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:
| (-87) = |
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A numerator of 5655 and denominator of 65 on the right side is the same as 5655 divided by 65 which is 87. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-87) = (87)
-87 is NOT equal to 87, thus we have proven that negative 87 times negative 65 is not equal to -5655. The answer must therefore be 5655:
-87 x -65 = 5655
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 87 times negative 65 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 87 times negative 66?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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