Multiplying & Dividing Rational Numbers
Aligned to 7.NS.A.2 — Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
What this lesson teaches
When you multiply or divide two numbers with the same sign, the result is positive; with different signs, it is negative. The same sign rules work for integers, fractions, and decimals.
Worked examples
Example 1
Find (−5) × (−6) ÷ (−3). First (−5) × (−6) = +30 (same signs). Then 30 ÷ (−3) = −10 (different signs), so the answer is −10.
Example 2
(−2)⁴ = 16 because four negatives pair off, but −2⁴ = −16 because the exponent applies before the sign.
Example 3
Count the negative signs. An even number of negative factors gives a positive product; an odd number gives a negative one.
Practice questions
- Find (−3/4) × (−8).
- Compute (−2/3) ÷ (4/9).
- Evaluate (−1.5) × 4.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Multiplicar y Dividir Números Racionales
Al multiplicar o dividir dos números con el mismo signo, el resultado es positivo; con signos distintos, es negativo. Estas reglas de signos sirven para enteros, fracciones y decimales.
Ejemplo 1: Halla (−5) × (−6) ÷ (−3). Primero (−5) × (−6) = +30 (mismo signo). Luego 30 ÷ (−3) = −10 (signos distintos), así que el resultado es −10.
Ejemplo 2: (−2)⁴ = 16 porque cuatro negativos se emparejan, pero −2⁴ = −16 porque el exponente se aplica antes que el signo.
Ejemplo 3: Cuenta los signos negativos. Un número par de factores negativos da producto positivo; un número impar lo da negativo.
More The Number System lessons
Teach this lesson today
An AI tutor that guides with questions instead of just giving answers — all K–12 core subjects, every child in the family.
Start free — no card required