Year 7 · Maths · Negative numbers · Lesson 2
Multiplying and dividing negative numbers
Multiply and divide with negative numbers using the sign rules, including powers of negatives and missing-number problems.
22-minute video lesson
Teaching, worked examples and 20 practice questions solved step by step.
Watch free for a monthWhat your child will learn
- Multiply negative numbers
- Divide negative numbers
- Use the sign rules
- Square and cube negative numbers
- Solve missing number problems
The method
- Ignore the signs and calculate.
- Same signs: positive answer.
- Different signs: negative answer.
- More than two numbers: count the negatives (even +, odd −).
Key words: negative, multiply, divide, sign, integer.
Worked examples
The first three practice questions from the lesson, with every step.
Question 1
Work out (−2) × 5.
- Step 1: Numbers: 2 × 5 = 10
- Step 2: Signs: different, so negative
- Step 3: (−2) × 5 = −10
Answer: −10
Question 2
Work out 6 × (−3).
- Step 1: Numbers: 6 × 3 = 18
- Step 2: Signs: different, so negative
- Step 3: 6 × (−3) = −18
Answer: −18
Question 3
Work out (−4) × (−4).
- Step 1: Numbers: 4 × 4 = 16
- Step 2: Signs: same, so positive
- Step 3: (−4) × (−4) = 16
Answer: 16