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Note that we are dividing two negative numbers, therefore the result must be a positive number.
Let's rewrite the exercise as a simple fraction:
Remember the rule:
Any number we divide by 1 will be equal to itself, therefore:
What will be the sign of the result of the next exercise?
\( (-2)\cdot(-4)= \)
Think of division as repeated subtraction. When you divide (-17) by (-1), you're asking 'how many times can I subtract (-1) from (-17)?' Subtracting a negative is the same as adding a positive, so you get +17!
The signs make all the difference! (-17) ÷ (-1) = +17 because both numbers are negative. But (-17) ÷ (+1) = -17 because you're dividing a negative by a positive.
Use this simple pattern:
Yes, absolutely! Division and fractions are the same operation. Both and (-17) ÷ (-1) equal +17 because the negative signs cancel out.
Those are common trap answers! Remember that dividing by -1 doesn't change the absolute value, only the sign. Since we have two negatives, they cancel out to give us positive 17, not 16 or any fraction.
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