0
As n gets very small, 1/n goes towards infinity. A multiplicative inverse of 0 would be some number x, such that 0x=1. This is impossible with the real numbers we use, since 0x=0 for any number x. One might be tempted to invent a new number (calling it "infinity", "nullity", or any other name) that would be the inverse of 0. Of course, then you're not dealing with real numbers anymore, you're dealing with real numbers plus this invented number. There are serious issues even with this approach. Again, let x be this "multiplicative inverse of 0". Then 0*1=0 and 0*2=0. So 0*1 = 0*2. Multiply both sides by x to get x*0*1 = x*0*2. Since x*0 is 1, this means 1*1 = 1*2. So 1=2, which is an absurd conclusion. As you can see, there are good reasons not to allow a multiplicative inverse for 0 - it breaks all the laws of multiplication we're accustomed to.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What is multiplicative inverse of 0?
There is no multiplicative inverse of 0. By definition, when you multiply a number by its multiplicative inverse, the product is 1. However, when you multiply 0 by anything, the product is 0. Those two statements could not logically co-exist if there were any multiplicative inverse of 0, so there is no such thing.
What is the multiplicative of -1?
Assuming the question is about the multiplicative inverse, the answer is, -1. It is its own multiplicative inverse.
Multiplicative inverse of -3?
The multiplicative inverse of -3 is -(1/3) or negative one-third. The multiplicative inverse of a number is the number that you multiply it by to get a result of 1 (the multiplicative identity). So, since -3 times -(1/3) is 1, -(1/3) is the multiplicative inverse of -3. Similarly, +3 is the ADDITIVE inverse of -3. The additive inverse of a number is the number you add to it to get a result of 0 (the additive identity). So, since -3 + (+3) = 0, +3 is the additive inverse of -3. The original answer given here was that the multiplicative inverse of -3 is +3, which is flat incorrect.
How do you turn 5 and 3-7ths into a multiplicative and a additive inverse?
38/7 x 7/38 = 1 = multiplicative inverse 38/7 + -38/7 = 0 = additive inverse
What is the multiplicative inverse of negative 9?
-9; the multiplicative inverse: -1/9
What is multiplicative inverse of 0?
There is no multiplicative inverse of 0. By definition, when you multiply a number by its multiplicative inverse, the product is 1. However, when you multiply 0 by anything, the product is 0. Those two statements could not logically co-exist if there were any multiplicative inverse of 0, so there is no such thing.
Which number has no multiplicative inverse?
0
What number is the opposite of 0?
0 is its own additive inverse. There is no multiplicative inverse for 0.
Is 7k plus 0 equals 7k a multiplicative identity?
No because 0 is additive inverse the multiplicative inverse of a number is when you multiply that number by the m. inverse and still get that number.
Why doesn't every real number have a multiplicative inverse?
The only real (or complex) number which does not have a multiplicative inverse is 0. There is nothing you can multiply by 0 to get 1.
What is the multipicative inverse of 0?
0 does not have a multiplicative inverse. Further ,such is an inherent property of any field .
What are the additive and multiplicative inverses of 5.42?
The additive inverse of a number a is the number -a because a + (-a) = 0. For 5.42, the additive inverse is -5.42 because 5.42 + (-5.42) = 0. The multiplicative inverse of a number a is the number 1/a because a(1/a) = 1. For 5.42, the multiplicative inverse is 1/5.42 = 0.1845.
What is the multiplicative of -1?
Assuming the question is about the multiplicative inverse, the answer is, -1. It is its own multiplicative inverse.
What is a problem of multiplicative inverse?
The only problem is that it is not defined for 0.
Multiplicative inverse of -3?
The multiplicative inverse of -3 is -(1/3) or negative one-third. The multiplicative inverse of a number is the number that you multiply it by to get a result of 1 (the multiplicative identity). So, since -3 times -(1/3) is 1, -(1/3) is the multiplicative inverse of -3. Similarly, +3 is the ADDITIVE inverse of -3. The additive inverse of a number is the number you add to it to get a result of 0 (the additive identity). So, since -3 + (+3) = 0, +3 is the additive inverse of -3. The original answer given here was that the multiplicative inverse of -3 is +3, which is flat incorrect.
How do you turn 5 and 3-7ths into a multiplicative and a additive inverse?
38/7 x 7/38 = 1 = multiplicative inverse 38/7 + -38/7 = 0 = additive inverse
What is the multiplicative inverse of 4 i?
The multiplicative inverse of 4i is -(1/4)*i.
