Ask a multiplication question
For −24 ÷ 6, ask “6 times what equals −24?” Since 6 × (−4) = −24, the quotient is −4. This inverse relationship gives a reliable check.
Divide integers
Use multiplication to check the sign and size of a quotient.
Understand it
Make the idea make sense.
Use the sign rules for non-zero values
Divide the absolute values. Same signs give a positive quotient; different signs give a negative quotient. −24 ÷ (−6) = 4 because (−6) × 4 = −24.
Order matters
Unlike multiplication, division is not commutative. 12 ÷ (−3) = −4, while (−3) ÷ 12 = −0.25. Dividing integers does not always produce an integer.
Zero needs careful attention
0 ÷ 5 = 0 because 5 × 0 = 0. But 5 ÷ 0 is undefined: no number multiplied by 0 produces 5. 0 ÷ 0 is also undefined because it would not give a unique quotient.
Words worth knowing
- Dividend
- The value being divided.
- Divisor
- The value you divide by.
- Quotient
- The result of division.
Check with an inverse
Division asks a multiplication question.
−24 ÷ 6 = −4
Khan Academy
Pause before the next calculation. Predict the sign and explain the model, then compare the reasoning.
See the thinking
One step at a time.
Predict each next step, then reveal the explanation.
−36 ÷ 4
- Divide the absolute values: 36 ÷ 4 = 9.
- The signs are different, so the quotient is negative: −9.
- Check: 4 × (−9) = −36.
−42 ÷ (−7)
- Divide the absolute values: 42 ÷ 7 = 6.
- The signs match, so the quotient is positive: 6.
- Check: (−7) × 6 = −42.
0 ÷ (−8)
- A non-zero divisor can divide zero.
- Ask: (−8) times what equals 0? The answer is 0.
- 0 ÷ (−8) = 0.
Try together
A little support. Your thinking.
Work through −35 ÷ 7.
Nicely reasoned. Try a fresh question below, or revisit any step.
Your turn
Practice with purpose.
New questions, useful feedback and hints that build on your thinking.
Question 1 of 8Build confidence
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Progress stays on this device.Hints help you learn. First-try answers and supported answers are recorded separately.
Connections
In the real world
All Class Notes →A temperature change of −24 °C is spread evenly over 6 hours. The hourly change is −24 ÷ 6 = −4 °C per hour.