Integer Operation Sign Rules
A concise table for positive and negative number rules in multiplication, division, addition and subtraction.
| Expression | Result sign/form | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| + × + | + | Same signs → positive |
| + × − | − | Different signs → negative |
| − × + | − | Different signs → negative |
| − × − | + | Same signs → positive |
| + ÷ + | + | Same signs → positive |
| + ÷ − | − | Different signs → negative |
| − ÷ + | − | Different signs → negative |
| − ÷ − | + | Same signs → positive |
| a + (−b) | a − b | Adding a negative equals subtraction |
| a − (−b) | a + b | Subtracting a negative equals addition |
How to use this table
A concise table for positive and negative number rules in multiplication, division, addition and subtraction. Use it as a reference, for practice, or to check your own work. On large tables, scroll horizontally on a phone. Tap cells to visually track a row or value.