Solve Division Problem: -42 ÷ -1 Step by Step

Q: Why does negative divided by negative give a positive answer?

Think of division as the opposite of multiplication. Since $ (-1) × (-42) = +42 $, we know that $ +42 ÷ (-1) = -42 $. The sign rules are consistent in both operations!

Q: What's the easiest way to remember division sign rules?

Use this simple pattern:Same signs (both positive or both negative) = positive resultDifferent signs (one positive, one negative) = negative result

Q: Does it matter which number is negative in division?

Yes! $ -42 ÷ (-1) = +42 $ but $ 42 ÷ (-1) = -42 $. The combination of signs determines whether your answer is positive or negative.

Q: What if I'm dividing by 1?

Any number divided by 1 equals itself, but watch the signs! $ -42 ÷ (-1) = +42 $ because we're dividing by negative one, not positive one.

Integer Division with Negative Numbers

$-42:-1=\text{ ?}$

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 Negative divided by negative is always positive

00:13 Any number divided by 1 is always equal to itself

00:24 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

$-42:-1=\text{ ?}$

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 rewrite the exercise in the form of a simple fraction:

$\frac{42}{1}=$

Remember the rule:

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

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

$\frac{42}{1}=42$

Final Answer

$+42$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Sign Rule: Negative divided by negative always gives positive result
Technique: Divide absolute values first: $42 ÷ 1 = 42$ , then apply positive sign
Check: $42 × (-1) = -42$ confirms our answer is correct ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Forgetting the sign rule for division
Don't just divide and keep a negative sign = -42! This ignores that dividing two negatives gives a positive result. Always remember: negative ÷ negative = positive, so the answer must be +42.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

What will be the sign of the result of the next exercise?

$(-2)\cdot(-4)=$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does negative divided by negative give a positive answer?

Think of division as the opposite of multiplication. Since $(-1) × (-42) = +42$ , we know that $+42 ÷ (-1) = -42$ . The sign rules are consistent in both operations!

What's the easiest way to remember division sign rules?

Use this simple pattern:

Same signs (both positive or both negative) = positive result
Different signs (one positive, one negative) = negative result

Does it matter which number is negative in division?

Yes! $-42 ÷ (-1) = +42$ but $42 ÷ (-1) = -42$ . The combination of signs determines whether your answer is positive or negative.

How do I check my division answer?

Multiply your answer by the divisor - you should get the dividend! For example: $42 × (-1) = -42$ ✓

What if I'm dividing by 1?

Any number divided by 1 equals itself, but watch the signs! $-42 ÷ (-1) = +42$ because we're dividing by negative one, not positive one.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Signed Numbers (Positive and Negative) questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime