Solve (-8):(-1): Applying Division Rules with Negative Numbers

Q: Why is negative divided by negative positive?

Think of division as "how many times does the divisor go into the dividend?" When both numbers have the same sign (both negative), the result is always positive. This follows the same pattern as multiplication!

Q: How do I remember the sign rules for division?

Use this simple rule: Same signs = positive result, Different signs = negative result. So (-) ÷ (-) = (+) and (+) ÷ (-) = (-).

Q: Is dividing by -1 special?

Yes! Dividing any number by -1 simply changes its sign. So $ (-8) ÷ (-1) = +8 $ and $ (+5) ÷ (-1) = -5 $.

Q: Can I write this as a fraction instead?

Absolutely! $ (-8) ÷ (-1) = \frac{-8}{-1} = \frac{8}{1} = 8 $. The fraction form makes it easier to see why the negatives cancel out!

Q: What if I get confused about the signs?

Work step by step: First ignore the signs and do $ 8 ÷ 1 = 8 $. Then apply the sign rule: since both original numbers were negative, your final answer is positive: $ +8 $.

Division of Negative Numbers with Sign Rules

$(-8):(-1)=\text{ ?}$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:04 Negative times negative is always positive

00:11 Any number divided by 1 is always equal to itself

00:19 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$(-8):(-1)=\text{ ?}$

Step-by-step solution

Firstly we need to realise that since we are dividing two negative numbers, the result must be a positive number.

Let's write the exercise in the form of a simple fraction:

$\frac{8}{1}=$

Remember the rule:

$\frac{x}{1}=x$

Any number we divide by 1 will be equal to itself, therefore:

$\frac{8}{1}=8$

Final Answer

$+8$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Negative divided by negative always equals positive
Technique: (-8) ÷ (-1) becomes 8 ÷ 1 = 8
Check: Verify: (-1) × 8 = -8, confirming our division is correct ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Forgetting the sign rule for division
Don't assume the answer is negative just because you see negative numbers = getting -8 instead of +8! Division follows specific sign rules. Always remember: negative ÷ negative = positive.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Convert $\frac{7}{2}$ into its reciprocal form:

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why is negative divided by negative positive?

Think of division as "how many times does the divisor go into the dividend?" When both numbers have the same sign (both negative), the result is always positive. This follows the same pattern as multiplication!

How do I remember the sign rules for division?

Use this simple rule: Same signs = positive result, Different signs = negative result. So (-) ÷ (-) = (+) and (+) ÷ (-) = (-).

Is dividing by -1 special?

Yes! Dividing any number by -1 simply changes its sign. So $(-8) ÷ (-1) = +8$ and $(+5) ÷ (-1) = -5$ .

Can I write this as a fraction instead?

Absolutely! $(-8) ÷ (-1) = \frac{-8}{-1} = \frac{8}{1} = 8$ . The fraction form makes it easier to see why the negatives cancel out!

What if I get confused about the signs?

Work step by step: First ignore the signs and do $8 ÷ 1 = 8$ . Then apply the sign rule: since both original numbers were negative, your final answer is positive: $+8$ .

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