31 times 2 is 62, but what is the answer if both 31 and 2 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 31 times negative 2 is positive 62 or negative 62.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 31 times negative 2 is -62 or +62 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 -62 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -62 is correct by setting up the equation negative 31 times negative 2 equals negative 62, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-31) (-2) = (-62)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-2) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-2) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-31) = |
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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:
| (-31) = |
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A numerator of 62 and denominator of 2 on the right side is the same as 62 divided by 2 which is 31. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-31) = (31)
-31 is NOT equal to 31, thus we have proven that negative 31 times negative 2 is not equal to -62. The answer must therefore be 62:
-31 x -2 = 62
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 31 times negative 2 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
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