Math · Stage 6
Multiply and divide with negative numbers
Use one clear sign rule to multiply and divide positive and negative numbers: same signs make a positive answer, different signs make a negative one — then work out the digits as usual.
✦ Math📘 Stage 6 · S6⏱ ~14 min🧒 Ages 10–12★ Free to start
I can multiply and divide with negative numbers.
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Kavi and the Sign See-Saw ⚖️
Kavi found a see-saw of signs in the forest. "Watch!" she hoots. "Same signs lift it UP to +, different signs tip it DOWN to −. It never changes: (−) × (−) = +, but (−) × (+) = −. ⚡ The digits are the easy part — 6 × 4 is always 24. The clever part is choosing the sign first, and division obeys the very same rule."
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What your child will learn
1Why a negative times a negative is positiveClimb down a times-table and watch the answers go up by 2 each step. When you cross zero, the pattern keeps going — so (−1) × (−2) has to be +2. Tap a row to hear it.
2The sign rule — same up, different downFirst choose the sign, then multiply or divide the digits exactly as you always have. Same signs → +. Different signs → −. Division uses the identical rule.
3Is the answer positive or negative?Decide each one by its signs alone — you do not even need the digits. Same signs go in the Positive box, different signs go in the Negative box.
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A peek inside
Work out (−6) × 4.
signs differ (− and +) → the answer is negative; 6 × 4 = 24
Try this at home: Multiply: (−7) × 3 = __ · (−7) × (−3) = __
Ready to play and learn?
Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.
Part of Math · Stage 6 · S6 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.