71 times 2 is 142, but what is the answer if both 71 and 2 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 71 times negative 2 is positive 142 or negative 142.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 71 times negative 2 is -142 or +142 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 -142 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -142 is correct by setting up the equation negative 71 times negative 2 equals negative 142, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-71) (-2) = (-142)
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:
| (-71) = |
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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:
| (-71) = |
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A numerator of 142 and denominator of 2 on the right side is the same as 142 divided by 2 which is 71. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-71) = (71)
-71 is NOT equal to 71, thus we have proven that negative 71 times negative 2 is not equal to -142. The answer must therefore be 142:
-71 x -2 = 142
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 71 times negative 2 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
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