SAT Math : How to divide negative numbers

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : How To Divide 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 : How To Divide 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 #1 : How To Divide Negative Numbers

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 #2 : 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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