Like signs: The quotient of two numbers with the same sign is positive. (+ ÷ + = + ; – ÷ – = + )

Unlike signs: The quotient of two numbers with different signs is negative. (+ ÷ – = – ; – ÷ + = – )

Integers are divided in the same way as whole numbers.

Divide –20 ÷ 5.

Step 1: Divide the integers without using the signs.

20 ÷ 5 = 4

Step 2: Place the sign. The signs are unlike, so the quotient, or answer, is negative.

^–20 ÷ 5 = ^–4

dividend: The number being divided in a division problem.

divisor: The number being divided by in a division problem.

quotient: The answer to a division problem.

dividend ÷ divisor = quotient

Test-Taking Hint

Check your answers whenever you have extra time. Simple math errors are easy to make when you are reading and answering questions quickly.

A calculator is a useful tool when doing long division. It can be used to find the quotient or it can be used to check your calculations.

Fractions are divided by multiplying by the reciprocal.

Divide 6 ÷ ^–2/₃.

Step 1: Divide without using the signs. Write the whole number as an improper fraction.

Step 2: Rewrite the problem using a multiplication sign and the reciprocal.

Step 3: Simplify.

Step 4: Multiply.

Step 5: The signs are unlike, so the quotient is negative.

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Division