Key Points
- Multiplication is commutative. This means that the order in which you multiply a pair of numbers does not make a difference, eg 3 x 5 = 5 x 3
- The product is the answer when two or more numbers are multiplied together.
- Calculations can be written with brackets around negative numbers because this can make a calculation easier to read, eg -3 × -1 is the same calculation as (-3) × (-1)
- Learning about positive and negative numbers will help when multiplying and dividing negative numbers.
Multiplying Positive and Negative Numbers
When multiplying negative numbers it is often useful to complete the calculation using positive numbers initially. Remember that:
- multiplying two numbers together with the same sign gives a positive answer
- multiplying two numbers together with different signs gives a negative answer
Dividing Positive and Negative Numbers
When dividing negative numbers it is often useful to complete the calculation using positive numbers initially. Remember that:
- dividing two numbers with the same sign gives a positive answer
- dividing two numbers with different signs gives a negative answer
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Videos
References
“Division on a Number Line – Examples and Diagrams.” 2023. Math Monks. August 3. https://mathmonks.com/number-line/division-on-a-number-line.
“How to Multiply and Divide Positive and Negative Numbers – KS3 Maths – BBC Bitesize.” 2023. BBC News. BBC. October 26. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z8x44xs#zb7h6g8.
“Number Line Multiplication – Examples and Diagrams.” 2023. Math Monks. August 3. https://mathmonks.com/number-line/multiplication-on-a-number-line.
Mathematical Mysteries 