Negative numbers: times and divide
You learn to multiply and divide with negative numbers: work out the number first, then the sign.
How to work it out
- First work it out without the minus signs.
- Then count the minus signs: if there are two or zero the answer is positive.
- If there is exactly one put a minus in front of the answer.
13 × 4 = 122−3 × 4 = −12
−3 × 4
- Work it out without the minus signs: 3 × 4 = 12.
- Count the minus signs: there is one.
- One minus sign gives minus, so the answer is −12.
1min × plus = min23 × 4 = 12, dus −12
More examples
−7 × (−2)
- Work it out without the minus signs: 7 × 2 = 14.
- There are two minus signs, so the answer is positive: 14.
1min × min = plus27 × 2 = 14, dus 14
20 ÷ (−5)
- Work it out without the minus signs: 20 ÷ 5 = 4.
- There is one minus sign, so the answer is −4.
−6 ÷ (−3)
- Work it out without the minus signs: 6 ÷ 3 = 2.
- There are two minus signs, so the answer is positive: 2.