2 times 99 is 198, but what is the answer if both 2 and 99 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 2 times negative 99 is positive 198 or negative 198.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 2 times negative 99 is -198 or +198 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 -198 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -198 is correct by setting up the equation negative 2 times negative 99 equals negative 198, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-2) (-99) = (-198)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-99) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-99) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-2) = |
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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:
| (-2) = |
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A numerator of 198 and denominator of 99 on the right side is the same as 198 divided by 99 which is 2. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-2) = (2)
-2 is NOT equal to 2, thus we have proven that negative 2 times negative 99 is not equal to -198. The answer must therefore be 198:
-2 x -99 = 198
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 2 times negative 99 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
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