Division of Integers

Definition

Division of integers is the mathematical operation of partitioning a set of objects into equal groups. It involves finding how many times one integer (the divisor) is contained within another integer (the dividend), resulting in a quotient and possibly a remainder.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The division of integers can result in a positive or negative quotient, depending on the signs of the dividend and divisor.
2. When dividing a negative integer by a positive integer, the quotient is negative.
3. Division by zero is undefined and results in an error, as there is no integer that can be multiplied by zero to produce the dividend.
4. The division of integers is the inverse operation of multiplication of integers.
5. Dividing a larger integer by a smaller integer results in a quotient greater than 1, while dividing a smaller integer by a larger integer results in a quotient less than 1.

Review Questions

• Explain the relationship between division and multiplication of integers.
  • Division of integers is the inverse operation of multiplication of integers. This means that if you multiply an integer by another integer and then divide the result by the same divisor, you will get the original multiplicand. Conversely, if you divide an integer by another integer and then multiply the quotient by the same divisor, you will get the original dividend. This inverse relationship is a fundamental property of division and multiplication of integers.
• Describe the rules for the signs of the quotient when dividing integers.
  • The sign of the quotient when dividing integers depends on the signs of the dividend and divisor. If the dividend and divisor have the same sign (both positive or both negative), the quotient will be positive. If the dividend and divisor have opposite signs (one positive and one negative), the quotient will be negative. This is because a negative integer divided by a positive integer, or a positive integer divided by a negative integer, results in a negative quotient.
• Analyze the consequences of dividing an integer by zero.
  • Dividing an integer by zero is undefined and results in an error. This is because there is no integer that can be multiplied by zero to produce the original dividend. Division by zero is a mathematical operation that does not have a meaningful result, as it violates the fundamental properties of division. Attempting to divide by zero will lead to an undefined or indeterminate outcome, which is a critical error that must be avoided in mathematical calculations and problem-solving.

Related terms

Dividend:

The integer that is being divided in a division operation.

Divisor:

The integer by which the dividend is being divided.

Quotient:

The result of a division operation, representing how many times the divisor is contained in the dividend.