Multiplying and Dividing Integers

The rules for multiplying and dividing integers are straightforward.

• If the two integers have the same sign, the answer to your multiplication or division problem is always positive
• If the two integers have different signs, the answer to your multiplication or division problem is always negative.

Suggestions for additional practice this weekend: the website www.explorelearning.com allows students to sign up for a free month-long trial and is fantastic for practicing integer operations. Once you log in, you select the option "Browse Gizmos" and then select the heading "Number and Operations" under the grade 6-8 math title. Here, you will have access to number lines that help you visualize how integers change as we manipulate them.

Further reminders when using a number line to add or subtract integers:

• a + sign means go to the right on the number line
• a - sign means go to the left on the number line
• a + (-) combination also means go to the left

THERE ARE NO OTHER POSSIBILITIES TO WORRY ABOUT BECAUSE YOU SHOULD CHANGE ALL SUBTRACTION PROBLEMS TO ADDITION PROBLEMS! IT HELPS!

How? For example:

17 - (-9) is the same as 17 + 9. You leave the first integer unchanged, switch the operation to addition and take the opposite of the second value. The solution is 26.
Another example:
-20 - 6 is the same as -20 + (-6) and now you can use the number line to find the solution of
-26.

Practice, practice and then practice some more.

Home Nugget #6
Assigned on Friday September 15, 2006
Due Monday September 16, 2006
All problems on double-sided multiplication and division of integers practice sheet

Focus Correction Areas
3 points will be awarded if: all problems are answered
1 point will be awarded if: you have included your full and accurate heading