Module 2 · Signed numbers · Lesson 5 of 39
Multiplying and dividing signed numbers
Same signs give a positive answer; different signs give a negative answer.
In this lesson · about 12 minutes
- Multiply and divide signed numbers
- Know the ways multiplication is written (×, ·, parentheses)
- Remember that we can never divide by 0
Multiplying and dividing follow one simple sign rule.
| Signs | Answer | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Same (+ and +, or − and −) | Positive | 3 × 4 = 12, (−3) × (−4) = 12, (−12) ÷ (−3) = 4 |
| Different | Negative | 3 × (−4) = −12, (−12) ÷ 3 = −4 |
Any number times 0 is 0, and 0 divided by any nonzero number is 0. But we can never divide by 0.
Ways to write multiplication
From now on we'll often use a raised dot instead of ×, so it isn't confused with the letter x: 6 × 2 = 6 · 2. Parentheses also mean multiply: 3(4) = 12 and (−6)(−7) = 42. Put negative numbers in parentheses, especially when they come second: 6 × (−2), not 6 × −2.
Division can be written across, 6 ÷ 2, or stacked, 62. Both mean the same thing.
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