What is negative 23 times negative 42? (-23 x -42)

What is negative 23 times negative 42?

23 times 42 is 966, but what is the answer if both 23 and 42 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 23 times negative 42 is positive 966 or negative 966.

There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 23 times negative 42 is -966 or +966 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 -966 is the correct answer using basic algebra.

We will test if -966 is correct by setting up the equation negative 23 times negative 42 equals negative 966, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.

(-23) (-42) = (-966)

Divide both sides of the equation by (-42) :

		(-23) (-42)
		(-42)

		(-966)
		(-42)

The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-42) which even each other out and can be removed:

(-23) =

		(-966)
		(-42)

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

(-23) =

		(966)
		(42)

A numerator of 966 and denominator of 42 on the right side is the same as 966 divided by 42 which is 23. Now we end up with this untrue equation:

(-23) = (23)

-23 is NOT equal to 23, thus we have proven that negative 23 times negative 42 is not equal to -966. The answer must therefore be 966:

-23 x -42 = 966

The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 23 times negative 42 will always have a positive answer.

Negative Times Negative Calculator
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What is negative 23 times negative 43?
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