71 times 29 is 2059, but what is the answer if both 71 and 29 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 71 times negative 29 is positive 2059 or negative 2059.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 71 times negative 29 is -2059 or +2059 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 -2059 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -2059 is correct by setting up the equation negative 71 times negative 29 equals negative 2059, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-71) (-29) = (-2059)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-29) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-29) 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 2059 and denominator of 29 on the right side is the same as 2059 divided by 29 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 29 is not equal to -2059. The answer must therefore be 2059:
-71 x -29 = 2059
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 71 times negative 29 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 71 times negative 30?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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