How to Divide Negative Numbers
Summary
Multiplying negative numbers and dividing negative numbers follow almost the exact same process.
To divide negative numbers, you divide the absolute values of the numbers and then determine whether the answer is positive or negative.
If the signs of the numbers are different (one positive and one negative), then the answer will be negative.
If the signs of the numbers you're dividing are the same (either both positive or both negative), then the answer will be positive.
Examples
Same Signs
\(-27\div-3=9\)
\(32\div4=8\)
Different Signs
\(28\div-4=-7\)
\(-24\div3=-8\)
How to Divide Negative Numbers
- Divide the absolute values of the dividend and divisor.
- Determine the sign of the quotient.
If the dividend and divisor have different signs, the quotient will be negative. If the dividend and divisor have the same signs, the quotient will be positive.
Why It Works
Dividing a Positive by a Positive
\(32\div4=8\)
Dividing a Negative by a Positive
\(-27\div3=-9\)
Dividing a Positive by a Negative
\(56\div-7=-8\)
Dividing a Negative by a Negative
\(-24\div-3=8\)
Resources
Free Online Practice Problems
Khan Academy - Dividing Negative Numbers
Khan Academy - Dividing Positive and Negative Fractions
Khan Academy - Multiplying & Dividing Negative Numbers Word Problems
Khan Academy - One Step Equations with Negatives (Multiply & Divide)
Free Printable Worksheets
Math Aids - Dividing Integers Worksheet Generator
Math Aids - Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide Integers Worksheet Generator
Math Drills - Dividing Integers -9 to 9
Math Drills - Dividing Integers -12 to 12
Math Drills - Dividing Integers -50 to 50
Math Drills - Dividing Negative Fractions
Math Drills - Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide Integers from -9 to 9
Math Drills - Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide Integers from -12 to 12
Math Drills - Order of Operations with Integers (No Exponents)
Math Drills - Order of Operations with Integers
Math Drills - Order of Operations with Positive and Negative Fractions
