51 times 99 is 5049, but what is the answer if both 51 and 99 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 51 times negative 99 is positive 5049 or negative 5049.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 51 times negative 99 is -5049 or +5049 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 -5049 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -5049 is correct by setting up the equation negative 51 times negative 99 equals negative 5049, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-51) (-99) = (-5049)
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:
| (-51) = |
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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:
| (-51) = |
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A numerator of 5049 and denominator of 99 on the right side is the same as 5049 divided by 99 which is 51. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-51) = (51)
-51 is NOT equal to 51, thus we have proven that negative 51 times negative 99 is not equal to -5049. The answer must therefore be 5049:
-51 x -99 = 5049
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 51 times negative 99 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
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