What is negative 12 times negative 59? (-12 x -59)

What is negative 12 times negative 59?

12 times 59 is 708, but what is the answer if both 12 and 59 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 12 times negative 59 is positive 708 or negative 708.

There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 12 times negative 59 is -708 or +708 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 -708 is the correct answer using basic algebra.

We will test if -708 is correct by setting up the equation negative 12 times negative 59 equals negative 708, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.

(-12) (-59) = (-708)

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

		(-12) (-59)
		(-59)

		(-708)
		(-59)

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

(-12) =

		(-708)
		(-59)

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

(-12) =

		(708)
		(59)

A numerator of 708 and denominator of 59 on the right side is the same as 708 divided by 59 which is 12. Now we end up with this untrue equation:

(-12) = (12)

-12 is NOT equal to 12, thus we have proven that negative 12 times negative 59 is not equal to -708. The answer must therefore be 708:

-12 x -59 = 708

The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 12 times negative 59 will always have a positive answer.

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