Dividing Integers

Division follows the same sign rules as multiplication, because every division can be checked by multiplying back. $\frac{20}{-4}$ asks: what times -4 makes 20? The answer is -5, since $\left(-5\right) \cdot \left(-4\right)$ is 20. Different signs give a negative quotient.

In the same way, $\frac{-24}{-6}$ is 4, because $4 \cdot \left(-6\right)$ is -24. Same signs give a positive quotient. On the board a division is a fraction bar, so the sign of the top and the sign of the bottom sit right where you can compare them.

In a longer line, work out each fraction first, then combine. In $\frac{20}{-4}-\frac{14}{-2}$ the two quotients are -5 and -7, and taking away -7 adds 7, so the next line is $-5+7$, and then 2.