Multiply and divide positive and negative numbers
The rule for multiplying and dividing is very similar to the rule for adding and subtracting.
- When the signs are different the answer is negative.
- When the signs are the same the answer is positive.
Question
Calculate:
a) \(5 \times -4\)
b) \(-40 \div -8\)
a) We have \({+5}\) and \({-4}\). The signs are different, so the answer will be negative. So, \(+5 \times -4 = -20\)
b) We have \({-40}\) and \({-8}\). The signs are the same, so the answer will be positive. So, \(-40 \div -8 = 5\)
Question
Work out \(-4 \times 3\).
\(-4 \times 3 = -12\)
Question
Work out \(12 \div (-4)\).
\(12 \div (-4) = -3\)
Question
Work out \((-5) \times (-6)\).
\((-5) \times (-6) = 30\)