Chapter 3: Problem 56
Divide. $$\frac{72}{-8}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
-9
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Dividend and Divisor
In this division problem, identify the two numbers involved: the dividend 72 and the divisor -8. The expression \( \frac{72}{-8} \) means dividing 72 by -8.
02
Perform Division Ignoring Signs
First, perform the division as if both numbers are positive: divide 72 by 8. Calculate \( 72 \div 8 = 9 \).
03
Determine the Sign of the Result
Next, apply the rules for division of integers: when dividing two numbers with different signs, the result is negative. Therefore, \( 72 \div -8 = -9 \).
04
Write Final Answer
Combining the results from previous steps, the solution to the division \( \frac{72}{-8} \) is -9.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Integer Division Rules
When you need to divide integers, it's good to remember a few easy rules. They help you find the right sign of the result. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Dividing two positive numbers or two negative numbers gives you a positive result.
- Dividing a positive number by a negative number or a negative number by a positive number gives you a negative result.
Negative Numbers
Negative numbers can seem tricky at first, but they're not too bad once you get used to them. These are the numbers with a minus sign in front, like -1, -2, -3, and so on. Here’s a simple way to understand them:
- On a number line, negative numbers are always to the left of zero.
- When you multiply or divide, look at the signs to know if the answer is positive or negative.
- Negative numbers become positive when multiplied or divided by other negative numbers.
Dividend and Divisor Identification
Before you can start dividing, you have to identify your numbers—and they each have a special name. Here's what they are:
- The **dividend** is the number that you are dividing. Think of it as the number being broken down into smaller parts.
- The **divisor** is the number you are dividing by. It tells you the size of the parts you're making.