Solve the Division Problem: -40 ÷ 2 Step by Step

Q: Why is the answer negative when I'm dividing by a positive number?

When you divide a negative number by a positive number, the result is always negative. Think of it as: "How many groups of 2 can I make from -40?" You get -20 groups!

Q: What if both numbers were negative?

If both the dividend and divisor are negative, then negative ÷ negative = positive. For example: $ \frac{-40}{-2} = 20 $ (positive result).

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

Use this simple rule: Same signs = positive result, Different signs = negative result. Since -40 and +2 have different signs, the answer must be negative!

Q: Can I check my answer by working backwards?

Yes! Multiply your answer by the divisor: $ (-20) \times 2 = -40 $. If you get back to the original number, your answer is correct!

Q: Is there a difference between -40/2 and 40/(-2)?

No difference! Both equal -20 because in each case you're dividing numbers with different signs, which always gives a negative result.

Division Operations with Negative Numbers

Solve the following problem:

$\frac{-40}{2}=$

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Solve the following problem:

$\frac{-40}{2}=$

Step-by-step solution

Remember that we are dividing a positive number by a negative number, so the result must be a negative number.

We will divide both the numerator and the denominator by the highest number that both are divisible by.

In this case, that number is 2

We will divide the fraction as follows:

$\frac{-40:2}{2:2}=\frac{-20}{1}=-20$

Final Answer

$-20$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Sign Rule: Negative divided by positive always equals negative
Technique: Divide absolute values first: 40 ÷ 2 = 20, then apply negative sign
Check: Verify by multiplication: (-20) × 2 = -40 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Forgetting the negative sign in the final answer
Don't just divide 40 ÷ 2 = 20 and forget the negative sign! This gives a positive answer when the result must be negative. Always remember: negative ÷ positive = negative, so apply the negative sign to your final answer.

Practice Quiz

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Write the fraction shown in the picture, in words:

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why is the answer negative when I'm dividing by a positive number?

When you divide a negative number by a positive number, the result is always negative. Think of it as: "How many groups of 2 can I make from -40?" You get -20 groups!

What if both numbers were negative?

If both the dividend and divisor are negative, then negative ÷ negative = positive. For example: $\frac{-40}{-2} = 20$ (positive result).

How do I remember the sign rules for division?

Use this simple rule: Same signs = positive result, Different signs = negative result. Since -40 and +2 have different signs, the answer must be negative!

Can I check my answer by working backwards?

Yes! Multiply your answer by the divisor: $(-20) \times 2 = -40$ . If you get back to the original number, your answer is correct!

Is there a difference between -40/2 and 40/(-2)?

No difference! Both equal -20 because in each case you're dividing numbers with different signs, which always gives a negative result.

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