Multiplying and Dividing Negative Numbers
Learn how to multiply and divide negative numbers using sign rules to work out if the answer is positive or negative. Let's get started!

Video Lesson
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Flashcards
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🛎️ Sign Rules for Multiplication and Division
- An odd number of negative signs gives a negative answer, for example 5 × (−3) = −15.
- An even number of negative signs gives a positive answer, for example (−12) ÷ (−3) = +4.
🛎️ Multiplying and Dividing Three Numbers
- You can work out two numbers at a time to make it easier.
- Count the negative signs to double-check the final sign.
🛎️ Combining Multiplication and Division
- Multiply and divide from left to right.
- Count how many negatives there are to decide if the answer is positive or negative.
Practice Questions
Test your understanding
Simplify: .
Correct! 🎉 +10 pointsNot quite right
There is one negative sign, so the result is negative. .
Simplify: .
Correct! 🎉 +10 pointsNot quite right
Start with . Then multiply . Since there are two negative signs, the result is positive 4.
Simplify: .
Correct! 🎉 +20 pointsNot quite right
First, divide , then multiply . Since there are two negative signs in total, the result is positive.
Simplify: .
Correct! 🎉 +20 pointsNot quite right
First, . Then, . Finally, add .
Simplify: .
Correct! 🎉 +20 pointsNot quite right
First, divide . Then multiply . Finally, add .
Simplify: .
Correct! 🎉 +30 pointsNot quite right
Start by dividing . Next, multiply . Then calculate . Finally, add .
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Interactive Activity
Master multiplying and dividing negative numbers
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