23 times 53 is 1219, but what is the answer if both 23 and 53 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 23 times negative 53 is positive 1219 or negative 1219.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 23 times negative 53 is -1219 or +1219 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 -1219 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -1219 is correct by setting up the equation negative 23 times negative 53 equals negative 1219, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-23) (-53) = (-1219)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-53) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-53) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-23) = |
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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:
| (-23) = |
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A numerator of 1219 and denominator of 53 on the right side is the same as 1219 divided by 53 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 53 is not equal to -1219. The answer must therefore be 1219:
-23 x -53 = 1219
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 23 times negative 53 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 23 times negative 54?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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