AlgebraStructure & Method · Book 1All Chapters

Division

2-9Dividing Real Numbers

Overview

To divide, multiply by the reciprocal. Same signs give positive, different signs give negative.

Key ideas

  • a ÷ b = a · (1/b), b ≠ 0.
  • Sign rules match multiplication.
  • Never divide by zero.

Worked examples

Example 1

Problem. −18 ÷ 3

Solution. −6

Example 2

Problem. (−24) ÷ (−6)

Solution. 4

Practice

Try each one. Click Show answer when ready.

  1. 1.

    −45 ÷ 9

  2. 2.

    36 ÷ (−4)

  3. 3.

    (−56) ÷ (−7)

Challenge problems

A little tougher — great for test prep. Click Show answer when ready.

  1. 1.

    Simplify (−24) ÷ (−3) ÷ (−2).

  2. 2.

    Simplify (2/3) ÷ (−4/9).