Integer multiplication and division rules
key notes:
When 2 integers have the same sign, the product is positive:
positive × positive = positive
negative × negative = positive
When 2 integers have different signs, the product is negative:
positive × negative = negative
negative × positive = negative
| positive × positive = positive | 2 x 2 = 4 |
| negative × negative = positive | -3 x -2 = 6 |
| positive × negative = negative | 5 x -3 = -15 |
| negative × positive = negative | -2 x 4 = -8 |
When 2 integers have the same sign, the quotient is positive:
positive ÷ positive = positive
negative ÷ negative = positive
When 2 integers have different signs, the quotient is negative:
positive ÷ negative = negative
negative ÷ positive = negative
| positive ÷ positive = positive | 2 ÷ 2 = 1 |
| negative ÷ negative = positive | -6 ÷ -2 = 3 |
| positive ÷ negative = negative | 15 ÷ -3 = -5 |
| negative ÷ positive = negative | -24 ÷ 4 = -6 |
Learn with an example
➡️ Is 7 × -10 positive or negative?
- positive
- negative
7 is positive. -10 is negative. Use the rule:
positive × negative = negative
So, 7 × -10 is negative.
Now check your answer by doing the maths.
7 × -10 = -70
Yes, the answer is negative.
➡️ Is -27 ÷ 3 positive or negative?
- positive
- negative
-27 is negative. 3 is positive. Use the rule:
negative ÷ positive = negative
So, -27 ÷ 3 is negative.
Now check your answer by doing the maths.
-27 ÷ 3 = -9
Yes, the answer is negative.
➡️ Is 2 × -3 positive or negative?
- positive
- negative
2 is positive. -3 is negative. Use the rule:
positive × negative = negative
So, 2 × -3 is negative.
Now check your answer by doing the maths.
2 × -3 = -6
Yes, the answer is negative.
Let’s practice!🖊️
