Multiplying and Dividing Negative Numbers
We talked about adding and subtracting negative numbers (SEE HERE), but now it’s time to talk about multiplying and dividing them.
When it comes to multiplying and dividing negative numbers there are two things you should remember:
When the signs are the same, the answer is positive.
When the signs are different, the answer in negative.
If you have a negative number times a negative number, the answer is positive.
(— 8) x (— 5) = 40
If you have a positive number times a positive number, the answer is positive.
(8) x ( 5) = 40
It’s only when you have a negative number times a positive number, that the answer is negative.
8 x (— 5) = — 40
The same thing is true for division.
If you have a negative number divided by a negative number, the answer is positive.
(— 40) ÷ (— 5) = 8
If you have a positive number divided by a positive number, the answer is positive.
40 ÷ 8 = 5
It’s only when you have one of the signs as negative and the other sign as positive (it doesn’t matter which), is the answer negative.
40 ÷ (— 5) = — 8
So, only two things to remember…
Summary
When it comes to multiplying and dividing with positive and negative numbers:
When the signs are the same, the answer is positive.
When the signs are different, the answer in negative.