Why does a negative divided by a negative equal a positive? Why does a negative divided by a positive equal a negative? Here's how I would explain it to a 7th grader.

Hard disagree…don’t use two different interpretations to explain same concept. It just confuses things.

To keep the mental model the same across both examples, always ask “how many steps to get to the numerator?” -8 / -2 …we apply “positive 4 steps” -8 / 2 …we apply “negative 4 steps” In the first example, the 2 is already negative, so we don’t need to change the step direction. In the second example, we do.

can a 7th grader understand partitive model

Your explanation may be confusing to a 7th grader. It may be better to make use of the 4 quadrants of the Cartesian plane. It will also help them with many other concepts later on.

Do not think in terms of number. For negative think in terms of direction always.

Do you have a class or series on khan academy or YouTube? Patreon?

I honestly believe that my school life would have been different if you had been my mathematics teacher….I mean I still would have been high in class, but you would have blown my mind. 🤣🤣🤣

That doesn't really hold up, there are -4 in each group in the partitive model? That seems like you just have to know when you are counting in the partitive model you are counting negative, but when you are counting in the first model you are counting positive.

I love this.

Thank you!

Ans to 8/(-2): measurement method We’ve to divide 8 positive elements into groups of (-2), which is not possible. However, we can divide 8 into groups of 2 = 4 Since 2 and -2 are complimentary, the elements in the group as well as the answer will be complimentary = -4.

8 is my favorite number

all i could think of is - why can’t we use the same interpretation for both? are we to memorize which one is appropriate depending on what the signs are? i love the passion but this explanation is frankly more confusing

Not really good ..

I feel sorry for learners

I think I would be thinking of "the opposite of" to help.

Just followed you because of this video!! Thank you!! (I'm 40 years past seventh grade, BTW).

Applying the former logic to the latter problem, answer is zero. Wouldn't recommend this approach

Question how would this apply in a real life scenario! My questions for maths man

Nope. Absolutely makes no sense. Not the way to explain to a 7th grader at all.

Love your videos! So much enthusiasm and such great explanations. You are a wonderful educator!

Please do multiplication of a negative by negative