0
Dividing by zero would mean multiplying by the reciprocal of 0,
but 0 has no reciprocal because 0 times any number is 0, not 1.
Multiplicative property of 0
Prove: If a is any real number, then a0 = 0 and 0a = 0
Proof:
Statement _____________ Reason
1. 0 = 0 + 0 ____________ 1. Identity property of addition
2. a0 = a(0 + 0) _________ 2. Multiplication property of equality
3. a0 = a0 + a0 _________ 3. Distributive property of mult. with respect to add.
4. But a0 = a0 + 0 _______ 4. Identity property of addition
5. a0 + a0 = a0 + 0 ______ 5. Substitution principle
6. a0 = 0 ______________ 6. Subtraction property of equality
7. 0a = 0 ______________ 7. Commutative property of multiplication
Therefore, division by zero has no meaning in the set of real numbers.
(Source: Algebra: Structure and Method Book 1)
In my opinion, the answer to this question depends upon which definition of division you are using
ie. the Algebraic definition of division as the multiplication by a reciprocal
or
the Arithmetic definition of division as a/b = c because a = bc.
Any discussion about division by zero must however centre around the above proof which is based on the properties of the real numbers.
The two cases are:
1. Dividing a nonzero number by zero, which does violate the multiplicative property of zero and therefore the properties of the real numbers upon which it is proven, as shown above.
2. Dividing zero by zero, which does not violate the multiplicative property of zero, but multiplication by zero is an operation that can not be "undone."
a/b = c is defined by a = b*c.
If a/0 = c, then a = 0*c. But 0*c = 0. Hence, if a is not equal to 0, no value of c can make the statment a = 0*c true, while if a = 0, every value of c will make the statement true.
Thus, a/0 either has no value or is indefinite in value.
Division is not always possible in the system of numbers consisting of the integers (6 is divisible by 2 and 3 but not by 5), but in those cases where it is, the result is always uniquely determined.
In the system of all rational numbers (that is, the integers and fractions) division is not only unique but is always realizable with one exception-division by zero.
On the basis of the definition of division given above, it is apparent that it is not possible to divide a number different from zero by zero.
The result of dividing zero by zero, according to the definition, can be any number since c*0 = 0 in all cases.
It is usually preferable in algebra (in order not to violate the uniqueness of division) to consider division by zero to be impossible for ALL cases.
In mathematics the art of asking questions is more valuable than solving problems.
What else can I help you with?
How do you divide by zero?
you can't. the answer would be undefined. You can divide zero by anything though. the answer to that would be zero.
How many times can you divide 1024 by 2?
You can divide 1024 by 2 an infinite number of times. The quotients will continue to get smaller and smaller but will never equal to 0 (zero).
What number can be divide by 1 but not itself?
0 (zero) because divide by zero is illegal
What is 23 divided by 0?
Undefined: You cannot divide by zero
What is the value of the fraction 7 divide 0?
Undefined: You cannot divide by zero
What is the number by which you can never divide?
Zero
Can you do 24 divided by 0?
Undefined: You cannot divide by zero
What is the only number you can never divide?
The only number you can never divide is zero. Division by zero is undefined in mathematics because it does not yield a meaningful or finite result. Attempting to divide any number by zero leads to contradictions and is thus considered an undefined operation.
What is the only number by wich you can never divide?
The only number by which you can never divide is zero. Division by zero is undefined in mathematics because it does not yield a meaningful or finite result. Attempting to divide any number by zero leads to contradictions and is considered an impossible operation.
What happens when you divide 0 by 0?
zero can never be divided by zero
What is the only number by which you can never divide?
Dividing by zero gives an undeterminable value.
Is zero a never or sometimes or a always divisor?
Zero is never a divisor. Dividing any number by zero is undefined, as it does not produce a meaningful or finite result. Therefore, you cannot divide by zero in any mathematical context, making it impossible for zero to serve as a divisor.
Is dividing by zero possible?
Dividing by zero is impossible and should never be done. My old math teacher used to have a Mathematical Ten Commandments and "You shall not divide by zero was one of them."
Can Chuck Norris divide by zero?
yes he can divide by zero.
When did Zero Divide happen?
Zero Divide happened in 1995.
When did Divide By Zero end?
Divide By Zero ended in 1996.
What is the answer to divide by zero?
You cannot divide by zero, so the answer is undefined.
