there exists one number N

LukeD

No, it is best to leave it undefined in many cases precisely BECAUSE if you apply the limit concept you get that x^y cannot be extended continuously so that 0^0 has any value.

arbol

Division by 0 is meaningless. Suppose that x is every element of the set R except 0, and y = 0.

If z = x/y, then x = y*z = 0, which is a contradiction. Therefore z is not properly defined when when say that

z = x/y.

For example,

it is not possible to write the following program:

1. x = 2
2. y = 0
3. z = x/y
4. print z

Here the output of the computer will normally be an error message at line 3.

Suppose that x = y = 0.

If z = x/y, then x = y*z = 0, where z is every element of the set R. Therefore z is not uniquely defined when we say that

z = x/y.

For example,

it is also not possible to write the following program:

1. x = 0
2. y = 0
3. z = x/y
4. print z

Again here the output of the computer will normally be an error message at line 3.

Suppose that x = y = 0**n = 0, where n is every element of the set R except 0.

If z = x/y, then x = y*z = 0, where z is every element of the set R, and z again is not uniquely defined when we say that

z = x/y.

For example,

it is also not possible to write the following program:

1. n = 2
2. x = y = 0**n
3. z = x/y
4. print z

Once again here the output of the computer will normally be an error message at line 3.

But suppose again that x = y = 0**n = 0, where n is every element of the set R except 0.

If x = y*z = 0, then we can define z = 1 and implicitly say (and it is understood) that z = x/y = 0**0 = 1. (This is a special case, where we have defined z = 1 and can implicitly say that z = x/y = 0**0 = 1.)

For example,

it is possible to write the following program:

1. n = 2
2. x = y = 0**n
3. z = 1
3. x = y*z
4. print x

Here the output of the computer is 0. Thus we can implicitly say, from x = y*z, that

z = x/y = 0**0 =1.

Consequently, suppose that x = y = 0**n = 1, where n = 0.

If z = x/y, then x = y*z = 1.

For example,

it is possible to write the following program:

1. x = 0**0
2. print x

Here the output of the computer is 1.

And if we write the following program:

1. x = y = 0**0
2. z = x/y
3. print z

the output of the computer will be 1.

ramsey2879

Arbol I just wanted to say that your last post is well thought out and very logical and correct. It is true though that some take the liberty to give their own definition of 0^0 if it suits their purposes.

HallsofIvy

You said, initially, that is was a natural number. All natural numbers are integers. So your first post was wrong?

ramsey2879

I agree that there is a contradiction there but I would rather that a mentor look to recognise that most everyone gains more insight as they interact with their surroundings and others and be a little more gentle in helping them to a greater understanding of things. You probably felt it necessary to point out the contradiction since Arbol has acted a little more knowing than is shown by his original posts and also was seemingly never willing to admit error. I dont mind as much and celebrate his better postings. If he has cause you to have bad feelings about him that is his loss and I would urge him to take note of your comment as a lessen not to be too conceited in the future and more willing to learn from someone who has more experience in the field.

HallsofIvy

?? I don't have any "bad feelings"- I simply pointed out that he was wrong. You seem to be under the impression that correcting an error is impolite. Certainly you wrote a very complementary response to his post that said, in essence, "computers say 0⁰= 1, therefore it is."

ramsey2879

On second thought, I would like Arbol to note that no number X can get close to infinity
since if X is a number then [tex]X^X[/tex] is always less than infinity. Since others have shown that N as defined in his first post is infinity, I would like Arbol's response as N is neither a rational or irrational number!