Word Problems with Negative Numbers: Multiply and Divide
22 October 2026
Word problems with negative numbers can seem tricky at first, especially when multiplying or dividing is involved. To help your child, focus on the story in the question and what the numbers represent. This approach makes it easier to understand what is happening, even when negative numbers are used.
Worked example
A submarine is 6 metres below sea level. It descends 4 times deeper. How far below sea level is the submarine now?
Step 1: The submarine starts at -6 metres (below sea level).
Step 2: It goes 4 times deeper, so multiply by 4.
Step 3: -6 × 4 = -24
The correct answer is -24 metres. The submarine is 24 metres below sea level.
After working through this example, your child will see how to spot when to multiply with negative numbers in a word problem. They will be ready to try similar questions and build confidence with reasoning in negative number problems.
