What is negative 1 times negative 59? (-1 x -59)

What is negative 1 times negative 59?

1 times 59 is 59, but what is the answer if both 1 and 59 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 1 times negative 59 is positive 59 or negative 59.

There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 1 times negative 59 is -59 or +59 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 -59 is the correct answer using basic algebra.

We will test if -59 is correct by setting up the equation negative 1 times negative 59 equals negative 59, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.

(-1) (-59) = (-59)

Divide both sides of the equation by (-59) :

		(-1) (-59)
		(-59)

		(-59)
		(-59)

The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-59) which even each other out and can be removed:

(-1) =

		(-59)
		(-59)

The numerator and denominator on the right side both have a minus sign (-) which even each other out and can be removed:

(-1) =

		(59)
		(59)

A numerator of 59 and denominator of 59 on the right side is the same as 59 divided by 59 which is 1. Now we end up with this untrue equation:

(-1) = (1)

-1 is NOT equal to 1, thus we have proven that negative 1 times negative 59 is not equal to -59. The answer must therefore be 59:

-1 x -59 = 59

The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 1 times negative 59 will always have a positive answer.

Negative Times Negative Calculator
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