Can N be any number when divided by infinity?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of infinity and how it cannot be treated as a number in arithmetic operations. Specifically, the discussion highlights that dividing any number by infinity results in undefined, and multiplying any number by infinity is also undefined. The conversation also mentions the limit as x approaches infinity and how it is defined, but this does not mean that infinity can be used as a number.
  • #1
gokhul
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Let N be any number
N÷∞=0
Cross multiplying
N=0*∞
Any number multiplied by zero is zero
Even infinity is a number but it is large
So
N = 0
 
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  • #2
Is my assumption correct
 
  • #3
No.

You cannot perform arithmetic operations on infinity.

More particularly, N÷∞= undefined.
 
  • #4
Infinity is not a number. You can't use it like that.
$$
\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} \frac{N}{x} = 0
$$
##
\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} 0 \times x
## is undefined.


Correction: ##0 \times \infty## is undefined.
 
Last edited:
  • #5
You assume that you can handle zero and infinity as numbers. As been said infinity isn't a number. 0 is a number but it doesn't belong to the halfgroup of ℕ or ℤ or group of ℚ or ℝ or ℂ with multiplication as group operation. It simply does not exist in there and therefore cannot be multiplicatively inverted.
 
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  • #6
[Edit: removed quote of Dr. Claude's original]

##
\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} 0 \times x
## is defined and is equal to zero. However, that does not mean that ##0 \times \infty## is defined.
 
Last edited:
  • #7
jbriggs444 said:
You may have a typo there.
##
\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} 0 \times x
## is perfectly well defined and is equal to zero. However, that does not mean that ##0 \times \infty## is defined.
Yes. That was botched cut and paste. Thanks.
 
  • #8
Infinity and the infinitesimal cannot be treated as straight up values for arithmetic operations, infinity is not a number you can reach. Defined by the limit as values for x gets bigger and bigger in contrast with constants in the expression. Just like what DrClaude said.
 

Related to Can N be any number when divided by infinity?

1. What does "Number must be zero" mean?

The phrase "Number must be zero" means that the value of a numerical variable or expression must equal zero in order for a certain condition to be met.

2. Why is it important for a number to be zero?

In certain mathematical equations and scientific experiments, a value of zero may signify a neutral or balanced state, making it a crucial component in obtaining accurate results.

3. What happens if the number is not exactly zero?

If the number is not exactly zero, it may still be considered close enough to zero depending on the precision required for the specific calculation or experiment. However, in some cases, even a small deviation from zero can greatly affect the outcome.

4. How can I ensure that a number is exactly zero?

To ensure that a number is exactly zero, you can use mathematical operations or programming functions that explicitly set the value to zero, or perform thorough checks and adjustments to eliminate any potential sources of error.

5. Can a number ever be both zero and non-zero?

No, a number cannot be both zero and non-zero at the same time. However, a number can switch between being zero and non-zero depending on the context in which it is being used, such as in different equations or at different stages of a process.

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