Zero Divided By Zero

Discussion in 'Algebra' started by nycmathguy, Dec 2, 2021.

  1. nycmathguy

    nycmathguy

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    I know that we cannot divide by zero.

    Let x = any number.

    I know that x/0 = undefined.

    I know 0/0 is not 0. It is called indeterminate.

    1. What does indeterminate mean?

    2. What makes 0/0 indeterminate?

    3. If zero is a number (and it is), then why is 0/0 not equal 1?
     
    nycmathguy, Dec 2, 2021
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  2. nycmathguy

    MathLover1

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    1. 0/0 is undefined or indeterminate (which means not exactly known, established, or defined)
    2. What makes 0/0 indeterminate?-> division by 0
    3. If zero is a number (and it is), then why is 0/0 not equal 1?-> because division by 0
     
    MathLover1, Dec 2, 2021
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  3. nycmathguy

    nycmathguy

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    Is the idea of 0/0 discussed in calculus 1 or 2?
    What is the calculus definition of 0/0?
     
    nycmathguy, Dec 2, 2021
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  4. nycmathguy

    MathLover1

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    the calculus definition: if the limit is =0/0, since 0/0 is an indeterminate form, the limit may (or may not) exist
    lim(x→4,(2x+1)/(x(x−4))=(2(4)+1)/(4(4−4))=9/0 =>the limit does not exist
    lim(x→0,(ln(x)/(1/x))=0=>the limit does exist
    If you are dealing with limits, then 0^0 is an indeterminate form, but if you are dealing with ordinary algebra, then 0^0 = 1.
     
    MathLover1, Dec 2, 2021
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  5. nycmathguy

    nycmathguy

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    Question:

    When we get 0/0 in Calculus 1 or 2, does L'Hospital's Rule apply?
     
    nycmathguy, Dec 3, 2021
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  6. nycmathguy

    MathLover1

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    you start with computing limits in Calculus 1
    L'Hospital's Rule works great on the two indeterminate forms 0/0 and ±∞/±∞.
     
    MathLover1, Dec 3, 2021
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  7. nycmathguy

    nycmathguy

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    I can't wait to begin my calculus studies. I want to complete the Ron Larson Precalculus journey first. I got an A minus in Precalculus at Lehman College but this was in 1993. Long time ago.
     
    nycmathguy, Dec 3, 2021
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