Multiplying and dividing negative numbers
The rules for multiplying and dividing numbers are:
- two signs that are different become a negative sign
- two signs that are the same become a positive sign
Examples
- Same signs give a positive: \((-4) \times (-5) = 20\)
- Same signs give a positive: \(20 \div 5 = 4\)
- Different signs give a negative: \((-14) \div 2 = -7\)
- Different signs give a negative: \(14 \div -2 = -7\)
Question
Calculate \(-4 \times 3\).
\(-4 \times 3 = -12\)
Question
Calculate \(12 \div (-4)\).
\(12 \div (-4) = -3\)
Question
Calculate \((-5) \times (-6)\).
\((-5) \times (-6) = 30\)
More guides on this topic
- NEW: Whole numbers
- NEW: Order of operations and negative numbers
- NEW: Decimals
- NEW: Converting between fractions, decimals and percentages
- NEW: Higher – How to convert recurring decimals
- NEW: How to round numbers
- NEW: What is accuracy in maths?
- NEW: What are fractions?
- NEW: How to add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions
- NEW: Multiples and factors
- NEW: Highest Common Factor and Lowest Common Multiple
- NEW: Laws of indices
- NEW: Negative and fractional indices
- NEW: Standard form
- NEW: Calculations using standard form
- Approximation - Edexcel
- Decimals - Edexcel
- Multiples and factors - Edexcel
- Standard form - Edexcel
- Laws of indices - Edexcel
- Fractions - Edexcel
- Converting between fractions, decimals and percentages - Edexcel
- Surds - Higher - Edexcel
- Financial mathematics - Edexcel