One Easy Rule for Dividing and Multiplying Integers

This last rule for dividing and multiplying integers is the easiest of all.

One simple rule to remember regarding the sign and everything else is just as you learned it in 4th grade!


Multiplying and Dividing Integers

If the signs are the SAME, then the answer is POSITIVE.


If the signs are DIFFERENT, then the answer is NEGATIVE


That's it - multiply and divide as you normally would and then apply these rules to determine the sign!

Ready for a few examples?


Examples for Multiplying and Dividing Integers

1.  7(-6) = -42   The signs are different (positive 7 and negative 6), so the answer is      negative.

2.  -4(-5) = 20   The signs are the same (negative 4 and negative 5), so the answer is positive.

3.  -4/2= -2   The signs are different (negative 4 and positive 2), so the answer is negative.



Yes, it really is that easy! Just check your signs to make sure that your final answer is correct.

Just remember:

Same sign - answer is positive.

Different signs - answer is negative.



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