Math Is Fun Forum

mathxyz

Member

From: Brooklyn, NY

Registered: 2024-02-24

Posts: 1,053

Properties of Real Numbers...Part 5

Additive Inverse Property

Let n be a number.

n + (- n) = - n + n = 0

This also work for terms.

Say we have x + 9.

Then x + 9 + (-x - 9) = x + 9 - x - 9 = 0.

You say?

Multiplicative Inverse Property

Say n = a number.

Then n • (1/n) = (1/n) • n = 1.

Can we Say that this works if n does not = 0?

The multiplicative inverse (1/n) of a nonzero real number n is also referred to as the reciprocal of n.

Does this also apply to terms?

For example, Say we have 1/(x + 3). I can say the reciprocal is x + 3.

This is true, right? For 1/(x + 3), the denominator cannot be 0.

Yes?

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,637

Re: Properties of Real Numbers...Part 5

All correct.

One axiom in number theory is that 1/n cannot be evaluated whenever n = 0

If n is replaced by x + 3 then x + 3 cannot be zero.

Bob

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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

mathxyz

Member

From: Brooklyn, NY

Registered: 2024-02-24

Posts: 1,053

Re: Properties of Real Numbers...Part 5

All correct.

One axiom in number theory is that 1/n cannot be evaluated whenever n = 0

If n is replaced by x + 3 then x + 3 cannot be zero.

Bob

Very cool. I once saw a video clip where Dr. Michio Kaku stated that sooner or later division by zero will become a reality. Do you agree? He said that space aliens have secretly proven that division by zero is possible where they come from.

You say?