Mathematics ACT Aspire Practice Test

What happens when you divide two integers with the same signs?

1. The result is negative

2. The result is zero

3. The result is positive

4. The result cannot be determined

The correct answer is: The result is positive

When dividing two integers that have the same signs, the result is always positive. This is because when both integers are either positive or negative, their division follows the basic rules of arithmetic. For example, dividing two positive integers like 6 and 3 gives you 2, which is positive. Similarly, dividing two negative integers, such as -6 and -3, also gives you a positive result, specifically 2. This consistent pattern holds true regardless of the magnitude of the numbers involved. The other choices do not accurately describe the result of dividing two integers with the same signs. If the signs are different, the result would be negative, but in this situation, both integers share the same sign. A result of zero would require that at least one of the integers being divided is zero, which does not apply here. The option that states the result cannot be determined is also incorrect, as the rule regarding the signs clearly indicates that the outcome will always be positive. Therefore, the understanding that dividing two integers with the same signs produces a positive result is a fundamental concept in integer arithmetic.