Solve Division Problem: -3.8 ÷ (-1)

Q: Why does negative divided by negative equal positive?

Think of division as repeated subtraction. When you divide -3.8 by -1, you're asking "how many times can I subtract -1 from -3.8?" Since subtracting a negative is the same as adding positive, the result is positive!

Q: How do I remember the sign rules for division?

Use this simple pattern: Same signs = positive, Different signs = negative. So (-) ÷ (-) = (+) and (+) ÷ (+) = (+), but (-) ÷ (+) = (-) and (+) ÷ (-) = (-).

Q: What's the difference between -3.8 and +3.8 as answers?

They're completely different! -3.8 means 3.8 units below zero, while +3.8 means 3.8 units above zero. In division problems, the sign determines which side of zero your answer falls on.

Q: Why can I just ignore the negative signs and then make it positive?

You're not ignoring them - you're applying the sign rule! When both numbers are negative, the negatives "cancel out" according to the mathematical rule, leaving you with the positive result.

Q: How do I check my answer is correct?

Use multiplication to check division: If (-3.8) ÷ (-1) = 3.8, then 3.8 × (-1) should equal -3.8. Since 3.8 × (-1) = -3.8 ✓, your answer is correct!

Division of Negative Numbers with Decimals

$(-3.8):(-1)=\text{ ?}$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:04 Negative divided by negative is always positive

00:13 Any number divided by 1 is always equal to itself

00:20 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$(-3.8):(-1)=\text{ ?}$

Step-by-step solution

Firstly we need to realise that since we are dividing two negative numbers, the result must be a positive number.

Let's rewrite the exercise in the form of a simple fraction:

$\frac{3.8}{1}=$

Remember the rule:

$\frac{x}{1}=x$

Any number we divide by 1 will be equal to itself, therefore:

$\frac{3.8}{1}=3.8$

Final Answer

$\text{+3}.8$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Sign Rule: Dividing two negative numbers always gives a positive result
Technique: Rewrite as fraction: $\frac{-3.8}{-1} = \frac{3.8}{1} = 3.8$
Check: Verify by multiplication: $3.8 \times (-1) = -3.8$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Forgetting that negative divided by negative equals positive
Don't think (-3.8) ÷ (-1) = -3.8 because you see negative numbers! This ignores the fundamental sign rule and gives the wrong answer. Always remember: negative ÷ negative = positive, so the answer must be +3.8.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

What will be the sign of the result of the next exercise?

$(-2)\cdot(-4)=$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does negative divided by negative equal positive?

Think of division as repeated subtraction. When you divide -3.8 by -1, you're asking "how many times can I subtract -1 from -3.8?" Since subtracting a negative is the same as adding positive, the result is positive!

How do I remember the sign rules for division?

Use this simple pattern: Same signs = positive, Different signs = negative. So (-) ÷ (-) = (+) and (+) ÷ (+) = (+), but (-) ÷ (+) = (-) and (+) ÷ (-) = (-).

What's the difference between -3.8 and +3.8 as answers?

They're completely different! -3.8 means 3.8 units below zero, while +3.8 means 3.8 units above zero. In division problems, the sign determines which side of zero your answer falls on.

Why can I just ignore the negative signs and then make it positive?

You're not ignoring them - you're applying the sign rule! When both numbers are negative, the negatives "cancel out" according to the mathematical rule, leaving you with the positive result.

How do I check my answer is correct?

Use multiplication to check division: If (-3.8) ÷ (-1) = 3.8, then 3.8 × (-1) should equal -3.8. Since 3.8 × (-1) = -3.8 ✓, your answer is correct!

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