Lesson 10: Dividing Signed Numbers

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• Lesson Description
• Learning Objectives
• Topics Covered
• Key Terms
• Lesson Examples
• Practice Problems
• Tips & Common Mistakes
• Summary
• Challenge Problems
• Unit Navigation

Lesson Description

This lesson covers dividing positive and negative numbers, applying rules of signs, and using examples to master signed number division in Pre-Algebra.

Learning Objectives

• Apply rules for dividing positive and negative numbers.
• Understand the effects of signs on division results.
• Use step-by-step examples and number lines to divide signed numbers correctly.

Topics Covered

• Rules for dividing positive and negative numbers
• Dividing integers
• Visualizing division on a number line
• Common mistakes in signed division

Key Terms

• Positive ÷ Positive: Result is positive.
• Negative ÷ Positive: Result is negative.
• Negative ÷ Negative: Result is positive.

Lesson Examples

Example 1: Dividing Positive by Negative

1. Calculate 12 ÷ (-3).
2. Different signs → quotient is negative.
3. Divide absolute values: 12 ÷ 3 = 4 → Result = -4.

Example 2: Dividing Negative by Negative

1. Calculate -15 ÷ (-5).
2. Same signs → quotient is positive.
3. Divide absolute values: 15 ÷ 5 = 3 → Result = 3.

Practice Problems

1. 24 ÷ (-6) = ?
2. -36 ÷ 9 = ?
3. -48 ÷ (-8) = ?
4. 0 ÷ 7 = ?

Tips & Common Mistakes

• Check signs carefully before dividing.
• Remember: Negative ÷ Negative = Positive.
• Dividing zero by any number gives zero.

Summary

Dividing signed numbers is similar to multiplying signed numbers: same signs yield a positive quotient, different signs yield a negative quotient. Practice and careful attention to signs ensures accuracy.

Challenge Problems

1. Divide -56 ÷ (-7) and explain why the result is positive.
2. Compute 63 ÷ (-9) using a number line.
3. Create three division problems with mixed signs for extra practice.