Math Lesson Plan · Grades 5–8

Dividing Positive and Negative Numbers Lesson

Teach students to divide positive and negative integers and apply Order of Operations with this six-page lesson plan and worksheet. Students learn the same-sign/different-sign rules for division, then tackle 20 problems that combine division with multi-step Order of Operations expressions. Full answer key included.

Lesson Overview

Dividing Positive and Negative Numbers

Division of integers follows the same sign rules as multiplication. When both numbers share the same sign, the quotient is positive: (−6) ÷ (−2) = 3 and 6 ÷ 2 = 3. When the signs differ, the quotient is negative: (−6) ÷ 2 = −3.

This lesson also introduces multi-step expressions using the Order of Operations (PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction). Students review PEMDAS and apply it to expressions that combine positive and negative numbers with multiple operations.

The worksheet has 20 problems: 8 straight division problems and 12 Order of Operations problems that require careful step-by-step work. Two fill-in questions ask students to state the division sign rules and write out PEMDAS. All answers are on page 6.

How to Use This Lesson

1. Introduce division of positive and negative numbers on pages 1–2. State the sign rules and work through examples. Connect to the multiplication rules from the previous lesson.

2. Review the Order of Operations (PEMDAS) and work through the combined expressions on page 3 as a class, emphasizing the importance of working one step at a time.

3. Distribute the worksheet (pages 4–5). Complete all 20 problems, then review answers using the answer key on page 6.

Printable Resource

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