59 times 51 is 3009, but what is the answer if both 59 and 51 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 59 times negative 51 is positive 3009 or negative 3009.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 59 times negative 51 is -3009 or +3009 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 -3009 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -3009 is correct by setting up the equation negative 59 times negative 51 equals negative 3009, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-59) (-51) = (-3009)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-51) :
|
| = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-51) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-59) = |
|
The numerator and denominator on the right side both have a minus sign (-) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-59) = |
|
A numerator of 3009 and denominator of 51 on the right side is the same as 3009 divided by 51 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 51 is not equal to -3009. The answer must therefore be 3009:
-59 x -51 = 3009
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 59 times negative 51 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 59 times negative 52?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
Copyright | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact