59 times 1 is 59, but what is the answer if both 59 and 1 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 59 times negative 1 is positive 59 or negative 59.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 59 times negative 1 is -59 or +59 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 -59 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -59 is correct by setting up the equation negative 59 times negative 1 equals negative 59, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-59) (-1) = (-59)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-1) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-1) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-59) = |
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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:
| (-59) = |
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A numerator of 59 and denominator of 1 on the right side is the same as 59 divided by 1 which is 59. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-59) = (59)
-59 is NOT equal to 59, thus we have proven that negative 59 times negative 1 is not equal to -59. The answer must therefore be 59:
-59 x -1 = 59
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 59 times negative 1 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
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