Math Is Fun Forum

branster707

Member

Registered: 2014-09-30

Posts: 1

Post deleted by OP.

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Last edited by branster707 (2015-02-19 17:12:44)

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Post deleted by OP.

Supposing you said that

n / 0 = k

where n and k both did not equal 0. Then we could multiply by 0 on both sides.

n = 0 * k

n = 0

something is wrong I just said n and k did not equal 0. Dividing by 0 leads to lots of contradicions.

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In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,621

Re: Post deleted by OP.

hi branster707

Welcome to the forum.

a/b-c = a/b - a/c
1/(1-1) = 1/1 - 1/1

You have a bracket in line 2 that is missing in line 1.

Either way, the algebra is wrong.  Suppose a = 7, b = 5 and c = 3

whereas

If you put in the bracket:

So your theory falls at line 1.  Sorry.

Division is defined as the inverse process to multiplication.  Thus:

So, in order to find a meaning for

we must look at this multiplication:

This equation has no solution, so you cannot find a meaning for dividing by zero. (unless you are prepared to abandon either the definition of division or the properties of multiplication.)

Bob

Last edited by Bob (2014-09-30 19:11:34)

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Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob