9 times 86 is 774, but what is the answer if both 9 and 86 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 9 times negative 86 is positive 774 or negative 774.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 9 times negative 86 is -774 or +774 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 -774 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -774 is correct by setting up the equation negative 9 times negative 86 equals negative 774, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-9) (-86) = (-774)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-86) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-86) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-9) = |
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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:
| (-9) = |
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A numerator of 774 and denominator of 86 on the right side is the same as 774 divided by 86 which is 9. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-9) = (9)
-9 is NOT equal to 9, thus we have proven that negative 9 times negative 86 is not equal to -774. The answer must therefore be 774:
-9 x -86 = 774
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 9 times negative 86 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 9 times negative 87?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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