Math Is Fun Forum

popotamian

Member

Registered: 2017-01-04

Posts: 4

0*∞ = ? thinking about line

The line has 0 height and ∞ lenght so the area is 0*∞=0 but it is made from ∞ points with 0 length so 0*∞=∞.
What's your opinion about this?

Last edited by popotamian (2017-01-04 16:04:42)

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,621

Re: 0*∞ = ? thinking about line

hi popotamian

Welcome to the forum.

Mathematicians have a symbol for infinity and use it in certain topics but have found it is best not to regard it as a number, as it doesn't obey the usual rules.  Your question is a good demonstration of this.  Here's some more:

∞ +1 = ∞

∞ x 5 = ∞
∞ x 7 = ∞

∞ /∞ = ????

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

Mathegocart

Member

Registered: 2012-04-29

Posts: 2,226

Re: 0*∞ = ? thinking about line

Specifically, the ubiquitous operations are not defined for infinity.

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The integral of hope is reality.
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He will be sorely missed.