Another annoying one divide zero thread.

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter uart
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Thread Zero
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical statement regarding the expression |1/0| > 3, exploring its validity and implications within different numerical contexts. Participants examine the nature of division by zero and its classification in mathematics, touching on concepts from real numbers to undefined values.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the statement |1/0| > 3 is true, while others argue it is invalid due to 1/0 being undefined in the real numbers.
  • One participant notes that since 1/0 is not a member of the ordered field of real numbers, the context of the statement must be clarified.
  • Another participant suggests that while 1/0 is undefined, it may still be possible to discuss its nature in a broader sense.
  • There is a suggestion that the definition of the relation > is crucial, as it determines the validity of the statement based on the set being considered.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the classification of 1/0, with some proposing it might be considered imaginary, while others maintain it is simply undefined.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the validity of the statement or the classification of 1/0, indicating multiple competing views and unresolved questions regarding the nature of division by zero.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in definitions and the context of mathematical relations, particularly concerning the ordered sets and the nature of undefined values.

uart
Science Advisor
Messages
2,797
Reaction score
21
Another annoying one divide zero thread. :)

The statement : | 1/0 | > 3 is,

a) true
b) false
c) invalid



I'm happy enough to say it's true but what do you think?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Sure. Just because something is undefined does not mean we can't make some determinations as to it's nature.

Njorl
 
1/0 is not a member of the ordered field of real numbers, so which ordered set is this a statement about?
 
Njorl said:
Sure. Just because something is undefined does not mean we can't make some determinations as to it's nature.

Njorl

If it's not defined in the reals, it does not exist among the reals.

Alternatively, you can not make determinations of its nature, if its nature is not defined.

...I think.
 
I think this all depends how you are defining >. If you are defining the relation > on the set of reals, then the statement is invalid since 1/0 is not a real number.
 
What type of number is 1/0 then?
 
Invalid..


|1/0| > 3 = ...

1/0 > 3,
1/0 > -3

Looks like true though its invalid because..

╚> Nevermind..Just try to divide your cake with 0 next time before you eat it..And you will see why its invalid..
 
I don't think there is a category for the number. I would venture to say imaginary, but I don't know how that would work!

Paden Roder
 
NSX said:
What type of number is 1/0 then?
It isn't. Its undefined.
 

Similar threads

High School Imaginary Pythagoras
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
High School Dividing an equation by a variable
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K
High School Power of ten and math power notation
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
High School Is one out of infinity different from zero?
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
3K
Graduate Is Dividing Zero by Zero Valid in Mathematics?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K
Undergrad Math Myth: You cannot divide by 0
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Is a Vertical Line the Correct Depiction for this Equation?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
High School Excel: converting a 3-ish week count into a monthly count
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
High School Question about PEMDAS/BODMAS ambiguity
  • · Replies 77 ·
3
Replies
77
Views
9K
High School Proof Pertaining to Possible Paths Through 3 Dimensions
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K