Multiplying & Dividing Positive & Negative Numbers

In this lesson, you will learn how to multiply and divide positive and negative numbers. The rules for determining whether the answer is positive or negative are explained and demonstrated using several examples. The lesson also includes a physical model using counters to help explain why negative times negative produces a positive result, as well as a pattern-based justification for the same concept. By the end of the lesson, you will have a solid understanding of multiplying and dividing with positive and negative numbers.

Shows the rules for multiplying and dividing negative and positive numbers. Shows why negative times negative produces a negative number using counters.

• How do you multiply and divide integers?
• When you are multiplying and dividing positive and negative numbers, how do you know when the answer is positive or negative?
• What happens if a positive or negative number is multiplied by 0?
• What happens if 0 is divided by a positive or negative number?
• What happens if you divide a number by 0?
• What are the rules for determining whether the result will be positive or negative when multiplying and dividing numbers?
• Where can I find a bunch of example problems for deciding whether the answer to a multiplication or division problem is positive or negative?
• How do you know if -1*-2*-3*-1*-5 will be positive or negative?
• How can you figure out what (-8*4)-2 equals?
• Why does a negative times a positive make a negative?
• Why do two negative numbers multiply to make a positive?
• Why does -3 * -2 equal positive 6?