Dividing a positive by a negative.....

[dnorr]

Denis wrote:
As easy/simple as: 3 apples cost 75 cents; one apple costs?
a = apple
3a = 75
a = 75/3 = 25 cents
Similarly:
-.08x = -2500
x = -2500 / -.08 = 31250

REMEMBER that if you multiply or divide 2 negative amounts: result is positive.

What about dividing a positive amount by a negative amount, like so? Is the result positive or negative?

x = 400 / -.02

 

[tkhunny]

Compare to your 2500-example. What changed as far as the sign of things?

 

[dnorr]

The 400 is now positive and the -.02 is negative.

 

[tkhunny]

and...?

You changed the sign on one factor (divisor or dividend, if you must). What might that do to the product or quotient?

 

[dnorr]

The opposite?

 

[Denis]

RULE:
a / b = k
-a / -b = k
-a / b = -k
a / -b = -k

Tattoo that on your wrist :wink:

 

[tkhunny]

The opposite?

Why do you doubt? What else would it do? Changing the sign will not turn it blue.