How to divide negative numbers

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SAT Math › How to divide negative numbers

Questions 1 - 4

1

What is $\frac{-36}{-9}$ ?

45

Explanation

A negative number divided by a negative number always results in a positive number. divided by equals . Since the answer is positive, the answer cannot be or any other negative number.

2

Divide: $\frac{-8+4}{3-6}$

$\frac{4}{3}$

$-\frac{4}{3}$

$\frac{10}{3}$

$-\frac{10}{3}$

$-\frac{2}{5}$

Explanation

In order to divide, it is necessary to simplify the numerator and denominator first.

$\frac{-8+4}{3-6} = \frac{-4}{-3}$

Divide both negative numbers. Two negatives divided will result in a positive number.

The answer is $\frac{4}{3}$ .

3

Divide: $\frac{36}{-8}$

$-\frac{9}{2}$

$\frac{9}{2}$

$-\frac{19}{4}$

Explanation

Anytime a positive number is divided by a negative number, or vice versa, the end result is a negative number. Find the common factors.

$\frac{36}{-8}= \frac{4\times 9}{-4\times 2}= \frac{9}{-2}= -\frac{9}{2}$

4

Solve for :

$\frac{1}{2}$

$-\frac{1}{2}$

$-\frac{18}{5}$

Explanation

Begin by isolating your variable.

Subtract from both sides:

, or

Next, subtract from both sides:

, or

Then, divide both sides by :

$x=\frac{-10}{-5}$

Recall that division of a negative by a negative gives you a positive, therefore:

$x=\frac{10}{5}$ or

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