Together, we are going to review the Rules for Multiplying and Dividing Positive and Negative Numbers.
Now, you have probably been using these rules and procedures for some time now, and they have become like second nature to you, but it’s important to quickly review these concepts as they will play important roles in future topics like polynomials and rational functions.
Moreover, have you ever stopped to wonder why these rules work in the first place?
Think about it… at some point in your mathematical journey you were told that a negative times a negative equals a positive, right?
Did you ever wonder why?
Me too!
So we’re going to prove two negatives make a positive when multiplied!
Mystery solved!
Next, we’re going to learn the reason why this rule is true and we’re going to learn a really fun acronym “NOPE” to help us keep the Rules for Multiplication and Division straight.
The acronym NOPE tells us that when we are multiplying or dividing an odd number of negatives, then the answer will be negative.
Whereas if we are multiplying or dividing an even number of negatives, then our answer will be positive!
With countless examples, we will extend our knowledge and learn how to apply the Rules of Signs, or procedures as Khan Academy calls them, for multiplying fractions, integers and even expressions containing variables.
In fact, we will even look at the Cancellation Rule for Fractions and use a technique I like to call “I heart division” to help us multiply and divide.
Multiplying and Dividing (How-To) – Video
Get access to all the courses and over 450 HD videos with your subscription
Monthly and Yearly Plans Available
Still wondering if CalcWorkshop is right for you?
Take a Tour and find out how a membership can take the struggle out of learning math.