Solve the Division: -1/8 ÷ -1 Step-by-Step Solution

Q: Why is negative divided by negative positive?

Think of division as the opposite of multiplication. Since $ (-1) \times (-\frac{1}{8}) = +\frac{1}{8} $, dividing backwards gives us the same positive result!

Q: Can I just ignore the negative signs?

No! The signs are crucial for getting the right answer. You must apply the sign rules correctly: same signs = positive, different signs = negative.

Q: What if I had positive ÷ negative instead?

Then you'd get a negative result because you're dividing numbers with different signs. For example: $ \frac{1}{8} ÷ (-1) = -\frac{1}{8} $.

Q: How do I remember the division sign rules?

Use this simple trick: Same signs = Smile (positive), Different signs = Frown (negative). Works for both multiplication and division!

Q: Is dividing by -1 special?

Yes! Dividing by $ -1 $ is like multiplying by $ -1 $, which just flips the sign. So $ -\frac{1}{8} ÷ (-1) = +\frac{1}{8} $.

Fraction Division with Negative Numbers

$-\frac{1}{8}:-1=\text{ ?}$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:03 Let's solve this math problem together.

00:07 When you divide a negative number by another negative, the result is always positive.

00:16 And remember, dividing any number by 1 gives you the number itself.

00:25 That's how we find the solution to this question. Great job, everyone!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$-\frac{1}{8}:-1=\text{ ?}$

Step-by-step solution

Note that we are dividing two negative numbers and therefore the result must be a positive number.

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

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

Remember the rule:

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

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

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

Final Answer

$+\frac{1}{8}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Sign Rule: Dividing two negative numbers always gives positive result
Technique: Rewrite as $\frac{-\frac{1}{8}}{-1} = \frac{\frac{1}{8}}{1}$
Check: Multiply answer by divisor: $\frac{1}{8} \times (-1) = -\frac{1}{8}$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Forgetting the sign rule for division
Don't keep the negative sign when dividing two negatives = wrong answer! This gives you $-\frac{1}{8}$ instead of the correct positive result. Always remember: negative ÷ negative = positive.

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 is negative divided by negative positive?

Think of division as the opposite of multiplication. Since $(-1) \times (-\frac{1}{8}) = +\frac{1}{8}$ , dividing backwards gives us the same positive result!

Can I just ignore the negative signs?

No! The signs are crucial for getting the right answer. You must apply the sign rules correctly: same signs = positive, different signs = negative.

What if I had positive ÷ negative instead?

Then you'd get a negative result because you're dividing numbers with different signs. For example: $\frac{1}{8} ÷ (-1) = -\frac{1}{8}$ .

How do I remember the division sign rules?

Use this simple trick: Same signs = Smile (positive), Different signs = Frown (negative). Works for both multiplication and division!

Is dividing by -1 special?

Yes! Dividing by $-1$ is like multiplying by $-1$ , which just flips the sign. So $-\frac{1}{8} ÷ (-1) = +\frac{1}{8}$ .

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