What is negative 8 times negative 59? (-8 x -59)

What is negative 8 times negative 59?

8 times 59 is 472, but what is the answer if both 8 and 59 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 8 times negative 59 is positive 472 or negative 472.

There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 8 times negative 59 is -472 or +472 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 -472 is the correct answer using basic algebra.

We will test if -472 is correct by setting up the equation negative 8 times negative 59 equals negative 472, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.

(-8) (-59) = (-472)

Divide both sides of the equation by (-59) :

		(-8) (-59)
		(-59)

		(-472)
		(-59)

The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-59) which even each other out and can be removed:

(-8) =

		(-472)
		(-59)

The numerator and denominator on the right side both have a minus sign (-) which even each other out and can be removed:

(-8) =

		(472)
		(59)

A numerator of 472 and denominator of 59 on the right side is the same as 472 divided by 59 which is 8. Now we end up with this untrue equation:

(-8) = (8)

-8 is NOT equal to 8, thus we have proven that negative 8 times negative 59 is not equal to -472. The answer must therefore be 472:

-8 x -59 = 472

The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 8 times negative 59 will always have a positive answer.

Negative Times Negative Calculator
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