Integer multiplication and division rules
Key Notes:
When 2 integers have the same sign, the product is positive:
positive × positive = positive
negative × negative = positive
When 2 integers have different signs, the product is negative:
positive × negative = negative
negative × positive = negative
| positive × positive = positive | 2 x 2 = 4 |
| negative × negative = positive | -3 x -2 = 6 |
| positive × negative = negative | 5 x -3 = -15 |
| negative × positive = negative | -2 x 4 = -8 |
When 2 integers have the same sign, the quotient is positive:
positive ÷ positive = positive
negative ÷ negative = positive
When 2 integers have different signs, the quotient is negative:
positive ÷ negative = negative
negative ÷ positive = negative
| positive ÷ positive = positive | 2 ÷ 2 = 1 |
| negative ÷ negative = positive | -6 ÷ -2 = 3 |
| positive ÷ negative = negative | 15 ÷ -3 = -5 |
| negative ÷ positive = negative | -24 ÷ 4 = -6 |
Learn with an example
➡️ Is 2 × 3 positive or negative?
- positive
- negative
2 is positive. 3 is positive. Use the rule:
positive × positive = positive
So, 2 × 3 is positive.
Now check your answer by doing the maths.
2 × 3 = 6
Yes, the answer is positive.
➡️ Is 88 ÷ –11 positive or negative?
- positive
- negative
88 is positive. –11 is negative. Use the rule:
positive ÷ negative = negative
So, 88 ÷ –11 is negative.
Now check your answer by doing the maths.
88 ÷ –11 = –8
Yes, the answer is negative.
➡️ Is 60 ÷ –12 positive or negative?
- positive
- negative
60 is positive. –12 is negative. Use the rule:
positive ÷ negative = negative
So, 60 ÷ –12 is negative.
Now check your answer by doing the maths.
60 ÷ –12 = –5
Yes, the answer is negative.
Try some practice problems!
