87 times 87 is 7569, but what is the answer if both 87 and 87 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 87 times negative 87 is positive 7569 or negative 7569.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 87 times negative 87 is -7569 or +7569 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 -7569 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -7569 is correct by setting up the equation negative 87 times negative 87 equals negative 7569, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-87) (-87) = (-7569)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-87) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-87) 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 7569 and denominator of 87 on the right side is the same as 7569 divided by 87 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 87 is not equal to -7569. The answer must therefore be 7569:
-87 x -87 = 7569
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 87 times negative 87 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
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