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Multiplication and division where two or more values are negative

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can use the mathematical structures that underpin multiplication and division of negative integers.

Key learning points

  1. Multiplication with negative numbers can be turned into a subtraction.
  2. Division is the inverse operation of multiplication.
  3. The rules for multiplying with negative numbers can be extended to division.

Keywords

  • Absolute value - The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero. E.g. 5 and (-5) are both 5 away from zero and so both have an absolute value of 5.

  • Product - A product is the result of two or more numbers multiplied together.

Common misconception

Using the phrase '2 negatives make a positive'.

Ensuring pupils understand the structure of the maths and not 'tricks' is so important. Encourage the use of correct language at all times

Teacher tip

At the beginning of the 3rd learning circle before revealing how Aisha knows if a product will be positive or negative. Challenge pupils to decide if different products will be positive or negative.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Work out $$2\times (-3)$$

6
5
(-5)
Correct answer: (-6)

Q2.
Match each calculation to its correct answer.

Correct Answer:$$4\times (-3)$$,$$(-12)$$

$$(-12)$$

Correct Answer:$$(-3)\times 5$$,$$(-15)$$

$$(-15)$$

Correct Answer:$$5\times (-6)$$,$$(-30)$$

$$(-30)$$

Correct Answer:$$(-4)\times 2$$,$$(-8)$$

$$(-8)$$

Correct Answer:$$10\times (-2)$$,$$(-20)$$

$$(-20)$$

Q3.
Select all the calculations that have a product of $$-24$$

$$(-20)+(-4)$$
Correct answer: $$(-8)\times3$$
$$(-30)+6$$
$$(-9)\times3$$
Correct answer: $$4\times(-6)$$

Q4.
Work out: $$(-32)\div8=$$

Correct Answer: (-4), -4

Q5.
Select all the calculations that have an answer of $$-7$$

Correct answer: $$(-21)\div3=$$
$$(-54)\div9=$$
Correct answer: $$(-42)\div6=$$
Correct answer: $$(-63)\div9=$$
$$(-36)\div6=$$

Q6.
Match each multiplication calculation to a division calculation with the same answer.

Correct Answer:$$(-2)\times9$$,$$(-72)\div4$$

$$(-72)\div4$$

Correct Answer:$$2\times(-4)$$,$$(-64)\div8$$

$$(-64)\div8$$

Correct Answer:$$4\times(-5)$$,$$(-100)\div5$$

$$(-100)\div5$$

Correct Answer:$$(-4)\times3$$,$$(-36)\div3$$

$$(-36)\div3$$

6 Questions

Q1.
Select all the calculations which will have a negative answer.

$$(-42)\times(-23)$$
Correct answer: $$(-42)\times23$$
Correct answer: $$(42)\times(-23)$$
$$42\times23$$

Q2.
Work out: $$(-5)\times(-3)=$$

Correct Answer: 15

Q3.
Match each multiplication to the correct product.

Correct Answer:$$(-6)\times(-4)$$,$$24$$

$$24$$

Correct Answer:$$(-6)\times4$$,$$(-24)$$

$$(-24)$$

Correct Answer:$$3\times(-4)$$,$$(-12)$$

$$(-12)$$

Correct Answer:$$(-3)\times(-4)$$,$$12$$

$$12$$

Correct Answer:$$9\times2$$,$$18$$

$$18$$

Correct Answer:$$3\times(-6)$$,$$(-18)$$

$$(-18)$$

Q4.
Work out: $$(-28)\div(-4)=$$

Correct Answer: 7

Q5.
Select all the correct statements.

Correct answer: $$(-2)\times(-3)\times(-4)=(-24)$$
$$(-2)\times3\times4=24$$
$$(-1)\times(-2)\times(-3)\times(-4)=(-24)$$
Correct answer: $$(-1)\times(-2)\times(-3)\times(-4)=24$$

Q6.
Work out: $$(-144)\div(-2)\div3\div(-6)=$$

Correct Answer: (-4), -4

To help you plan your 7 maths lesson on: Multiplication and division where two or more values are negative, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...