What is (-36) divided by (-9)?

What is (-36) divided by (-9)?

• A. -4
• B. 4
• C. 9
• D. -9

Answer: (B)

When you divide numbers, the sign tells you whether the result is positive or negative, and the magnitude comes from dividing the absolute values. Since both numbers are negative, their signs cancel out and the quotient is positive. Take the absolute values: 36 ÷ 9 equals 4. Put it together and the result is positive 4. So the quotient is 4. If the signs were opposite, you’d get a negative result; the other listed results would come from using a different sign pattern or a different divisor.

When you divide numbers, the sign tells you whether the result is positive or negative, and the magnitude comes from dividing the absolute values. Since both numbers are negative, their signs cancel out and the quotient is positive. Take the absolute values: 36 ÷ 9 equals 4. Put it together and the result is positive 4. So the quotient is 4. If the signs were opposite, you’d get a negative result; the other listed results would come from using a different sign pattern or a different divisor.