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How to Divide Negative Integers

Integers are whole numbers that can be positive or negative. Positive integers are all whole numbers greater than zero, or 1, 2 , 3, 4, and so on. Negative integers are all whole numbers less than zero, or -1, -2, -3, and so on. Division is the process of quantifying how many instances of the divisor equals dividend. One way of dividing integers is to create fractions. Negative integers can also be divided using fractions.

Things You'll Need

  • Pencil
  • Paper
  • Calculator
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Instructions

    • 1

      Write the division problem as a fraction. Write the dividend, or numerator, at the top of a sheet of paper. Underline the dividend and write the divisor, or denominator, directly underneath. Make sure to signify any negative numbers with the negative symbol. A few examples of fractions with negative numbers are 65/-9, -2/-7, -3/17, and so on.

    • 2

      Cancel the negative signs if they are in both the numerator and denominator, as the answer will always be positive. If either one or the other is negative and not both, leave the negative sign intact, as the answer will always be negative.

    • 3

      Divide the fraction. Count multiples of the denominator until you reach the biggest number that can go into the numerator. Ignore the negative symbols while dividing. For example, if the denominator is -9 and the numerator is 65, 9 goes into 63 seven times, totaling 63. The resulting integer, 7, is called the quotient.

    • 4

      Calculate the remainder. Multiply the quotient and the divisor, ignoring any negative signs, and subtract the answer from the dividend. For example, seven times 9 is 63. Sixty-three subtracted from 65 is 2. The remainder is 2.

    • 5

      Write the answer and carry over any negative signs. For example, 65/-9 is 7 remainder 2.

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