Mathematics can be intimidating, but with a step-by-step approach, even the most daunting problems can become manageable. In this article, we'll break down the simple process of solving the division problem 12 divided by -6.
Understanding Division
Division is one of the four basic mathematical operations, and it's used to share a certain number of things into equal groups. When you divide one number by another, you're essentially asking how many groups of a certain size you can make from the total amount.
The Problem: 12 ÷ -6
Before we dive into the solution, let's take a look at the problem. We want to divide 12 by -6. The negative sign in front of the 6 indicates that we're dealing with a negative number.
Step 1: Understand the Sign Rule
When dividing numbers with different signs, there's a simple rule to follow:
- If the numbers have the same sign, the result will be positive.
- If the numbers have different signs, the result will be negative.
In our case, the dividend (12) is positive, and the divisor (-6) is negative. This means that our result will be negative.
Step 2: Divide the Absolute Values
Now that we've established the sign rule, let's focus on the absolute values of the numbers. We can ignore the signs for now and simply divide the absolute values.
| Dividend (12) | ÷ | Divisor (6) | = | Result (2) | | ------------ | - | ---------- | = | ---------- |
Step 3: Apply the Sign Rule
Now that we have the result of dividing the absolute values (2), we need to apply the sign rule. Since the original numbers had different signs, our result will be negative.
Result: -2
Step 4: Write the Final Answer
We've solved the problem, and now it's time to write the final answer.
12 ÷ -6 = -2
Step 5: Check Your Work
It's always a good idea to check your work to ensure that you've arrived at the correct answer. One way to do this is to multiply the result by the divisor to see if you get the original dividend.
-2 × -6 = 12
Yes, we get the original dividend! This confirms that our answer is correct.
Step 6: Practice, Practice, Practice
The more you practice solving division problems, the more comfortable you'll become with the process. Try solving different problems on your own to reinforce your understanding of division.
Conclusion
Solving the division problem 12 divided by -6 may seem daunting at first, but by breaking it down into simple steps, we can make it manageable. Remember to understand the sign rule, divide the absolute values, apply the sign rule, write the final answer, check your work, and practice, practice, practice!
What is the result of dividing 12 by -6?
+The result of dividing 12 by -6 is -2.
Why is the result negative?
+The result is negative because the numbers have different signs. When dividing numbers with different signs, the result is always negative.
How can I check my work?
+You can check your work by multiplying the result by the divisor to see if you get the original dividend. In this case, -2 × -6 = 12, which confirms that our answer is correct.