Solve Division with Ratio Notation: -1.4 ÷ -7

Division with Negative Decimals

Solve the following expression:

1.4:7= -1.4:-7=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:05 Convert decimal number to fraction
00:10 Convert whole number to whole fraction
00:23 Division is also multiplication by reciprocal
00:27 Switch between numerator and denominator
00:38 Negative times negative always equals positive
00:53 Factor 14 into factors 7 and 2, and reduce what's possible
00:58 Factor 10 into factors 5 and 2, and reduce what's possible
01:06 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following expression:

1.4:7= -1.4:-7=

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's begin by converting 1.4 into a simple fraction:

1.4=1410 -1.4=-\frac{14}{10}

Let's now convert 7 into a simple fraction:

7=71 -7=-\frac{7}{1}

The resulting exercise is as follows:

1410:71= -\frac{14}{10}:-\frac{7}{1}=

Let's proceed to convert the division exercise into a multiplication exercise, not forgetting to swap the numerator and denominator in the second fraction:

1410×17= -\frac{14}{10}\times-\frac{1}{7}=

Let's now combine into one multiplication exercise:

+14×110×7=1410×7= +\frac{14\times1}{10\times7}=\frac{14}{10\times7}=

Let's proceed to break down 14 into a multiplication exercise:

2×710×7= \frac{2\times7}{10\times7}=

Next let's reduce the 7 in both the numerator and denominator obtaining the following:

210= \frac{2}{10}=

Let's proceed to break down the 10 into a multiplication exercise:

22×5= \frac{2}{2\times5}=

Finally let's reduce the 2 in both the numerator and denominator to obtain the following solution:

5 5

3

Final Answer

15 \frac{1}{5}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Sign Rule: Negative divided by negative equals positive
  • Technique: Convert -1.4 ÷ -7 to 1410×17 \frac{14}{10} \times \frac{1}{7}
  • Check: 15×(7)=1.4 \frac{1}{5} \times (-7) = -1.4 confirms our answer ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting the sign rules for division
    Don't ignore negative signs when dividing = wrong positive/negative result! Many students calculate 1.4 ÷ 7 correctly but mess up the final sign. Always remember: negative ÷ negative = positive, so -1.4 ÷ -7 gives a positive answer.

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 equal positive?

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Think of it this way: division is the opposite of multiplication. Since (7)×15=1.4 (-7) \times \frac{1}{5} = -1.4 , we know that 1.4÷(7)=15 -1.4 ÷ (-7) = \frac{1}{5} . The negatives cancel out!

Can I just ignore the negatives and add them back later?

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No! You must track the signs throughout the entire process. The sign rules apply to the final result, not individual steps. Work with the negatives from start to finish.

Why do we convert division to multiplication?

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Converting to multiplication makes the problem easier to solve step-by-step. Dividing by a number is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal, so -1.4 ÷ -7 becomes -1.4 × 17 \frac{-1}{7} .

How do I check if 1/5 is really the answer?

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Multiply your answer by the divisor: 15×(7)=75=1.4 \frac{1}{5} \times (-7) = \frac{-7}{5} = -1.4 . Since this equals our original dividend, the answer is correct!

What if I get confused with all the fraction steps?

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Try the decimal approach first: -1.4 ÷ -7 = 1.4 ÷ 7 = 0.2. Then convert 0.2 to 15 \frac{1}{5} . Both methods should give the same answer!

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