What is the outcome of a positive number divided by a negative number?

When a positive number is divided by a negative number, the outcome is a negative number. This result is rooted in the rules of arithmetic regarding the signs of numbers. The division operation can be understood in terms of determining how many times a negative number fits into a positive number.

For example, consider dividing 10 (a positive number) by -2 (a negative number). The question essentially asks how many times -2 can fit into 10. Since -2 is negative, the answer reflects a negative result. Mathematically, you can calculate it as:

10 ÷ -2 = -5

This outcome shows that the result is indeed negative, which aligns with the consistent rule that a positive number divided by a negative number results in a negative number.

This understanding allows for clarity when performing operations involving both positive and negative numbers, emphasizing the direct relationship between the signs of the numbers involved in the division operation.