The rules for multiplying and dividing integers are essentially the same: if the signs are the same, the result is positive; if the signs are different, the result is negative.
Here's a breakdown:
-
Same Signs (Positive Result):
- Positive * Positive = Positive (e.g., 3 * 2 = 6)
- Positive / Positive = Positive (e.g., 6 / 3 = 2)
- Negative * Negative = Positive (e.g., -3 * -2 = 6)
- Negative / Negative = Positive (e.g., -6 / -3 = 2)
-
Different Signs (Negative Result):
- Positive * Negative = Negative (e.g., 3 * -2 = -6)
- Positive / Negative = Negative (e.g., 6 / -3 = -2)
- Negative * Positive = Negative (e.g., -3 * 2 = -6)
- Negative / Positive = Negative (e.g., -6 / 3 = -2)
In essence, multiplication and division, in the context of integer signs, adhere to the same underlying principle of sign determination. The only difference lies in the operation being performed (multiplication versus division).
