99 times 98 is 9702, but what is the answer if both 99 and 98 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 99 times negative 98 is positive 9702 or negative 9702.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 99 times negative 98 is -9702 or +9702 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 -9702 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -9702 is correct by setting up the equation negative 99 times negative 98 equals negative 9702, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-99) (-98) = (-9702)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-98) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-98) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-99) = |
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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:
| (-99) = |
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A numerator of 9702 and denominator of 98 on the right side is the same as 9702 divided by 98 which is 99. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-99) = (99)
-99 is NOT equal to 99, thus we have proven that negative 99 times negative 98 is not equal to -9702. The answer must therefore be 9702:
-99 x -98 = 9702
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 99 times negative 98 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 99 times negative 99?
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