Multiplying and Dividing Signed Numbers

Multiplying and Dividing Signed Numbers The good news is that the rules for multiplying and dividing signed numbers are the same. If the signs are the same, the answer is + If the signs are different, the answer is -

Same signs When you think about it, there is a relationship between combining signed numbers with the same sign and multiplying or dividing them. If you’re combining and the signs are the same you add (+) If you’re multiplying and the signs are the same your answer is positive (+)

Different signs When you think about it, there is a relationship between combining signed numbers with different signs and multiplying or dividing them. If you’re combining and the signs are different you subtract (-) If you’re multiplying and the signs are different your answer is negative (-)

Sign Clues If you’re multiplying or dividing, the operation is always whatever the problem tells you to do. The signs tell you the sign of the answer. If you’re combining, the signs tell you which operation to use. The sign of the answer is always the sign of the number with the greatest magnitude.

Multiplying and Dividing Signed Numbers Same sign = answer positive Different signs = answer negative.