We want to divide two decimal numbers. The calculations are easier if we multiply the divisor and the dividend by the same power of 10 so that the divisor is a whole number. In this case, we will multiply by 10.
- 2.4* 10 &= - 24
3.2* 10 &= 32This means that - 2.4Ă· 3.2 is the same as - 24Ă· 32. Next, recall that when dividing real numbers, the quotient will be positive if the signs are the same and it will be negative if the signs are different.
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Same Sign & Different Signs
(+)Ă· (+)=(+) & (+)Ă· (-)=(-)
(-)Ă· (-)=(+) & (-)Ă· (+)=(-)
In our case one number is positive and one number is negative, so the quotient will be negative.
- 24Ă· 32=- (24Ă· 32)
Let's find the quotient! We will divide, multiply, subtract, and compare as many times as we need.
Since 24Ă· 32=0.75, we know that 2.4Ă· 3.2=0.75. This means that - (2.4Ă· 3.2)=- 0.75.
