SAT Math : Arithmetic

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : How To Multiply Negative Numbers

If  is a positive number, and  is also a positive number, what is a possible value for ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Because \dpi{100} \small -3b is positive, \dpi{100} \small b must be negative since the product of two negative numbers is positive.

Because \dpi{100} \small ab is also positive, \dpi{100} \small a must also be negative in order to produce a prositive product.

To check you answer, you can try plugging in any negative number for \dpi{100} \small a.

Example Question #1 : How To Multiply Negative Numbers

Multiply the following negative numbers: .

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When two negative numbers are multiplied by each other, the result is a positive number.

When a negative and a nonnegative number are multiplied with each other, the result is a negative number.

Therefore, since  and  are negative numbers, the product must be positive.

Therefore, the answer is positive .

Example Question #1 : Negative Numbers

Multiply:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Simplify the expression term by term.

A negative number multiplied by a negative number gives a positive number.

A negative number multiplied by a positive number gives a negative number.

Example Question #1561 : Sat Mathematics

Multiply:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Multiply the first two terms.  A negative number times another negative will result in a positive number.

Multiply 27 with negative 2.  A positive number times a negative number will result in a negative number.

The answer is:  

Example Question #1 : How To Multiply Negative Numbers

Solve the following equation:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

If there are two negative signs, then the answer will be positive. If there were only one negative sign, the answer will be negative. 

Example Question #11 : Negative Numbers

Simplify the following expression:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Simplify the following expression:

Let's begin by expanding the inside of the parentheses.

Now, it is important to use all three negative signs. The first two will cancel out, but the third one will remain, ensuring our final answer will be negative.

Example Question #11 : Negative Numbers

What is ?

Possible Answers:

45

Correct answer:

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.

Example Question #1 : Negative Numbers

Solve for :

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Begin by isolating your variable.

Subtract  from both sides:

, or 

Next, subtract  from both sides:

, or 

Then, divide both sides by :

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

 or 

Example Question #41 : Integers

Divide:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

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.

Example Question #1 : How To Divide Negative Numbers

Divide:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

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

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

The answer is .

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