Can Dividing by Zero Unlock Secrets of the Universe?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of dividing by zero and its implications for understanding the universe. Participants explore mathematical reasoning, theoretical implications, and the physical interpretation of division by zero, particularly in relation to concepts like infinity and black holes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that dividing by increasingly smaller numbers leads to larger outcomes, proposing that 1/0 could be interpreted as infinity, and connects this to the origins of the universe.
  • Another participant questions the logic of equating 0/0 with 1/0, implying that the two should not be treated similarly.
  • A different participant asserts that dividing zero by any number results in zero, challenging the idea that 0/0 could equal infinity.
  • One participant clarifies that while the limit of 1/n as n approaches 0 is infinity, this does not mean that 1/0 equals infinity, and expresses skepticism about the initial claims.
  • Another participant discusses the concept of summing zeros and contrasts it with summing small positive numbers, suggesting a distinction in outcomes.
  • A participant reiterates the impossibility of dividing by zero, emphasizing that it is undefined and questioning the validity of the initial theory regarding the universe and black holes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications and validity of dividing by zero, with no consensus reached on the interpretations or theories presented.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions regarding the nature of division by zero and its implications for physical theories. The discussion reflects a range of interpretations and understandings of mathematical concepts.

Arkarian
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1. we know that the smaller the fraction we divide the bigger the outcome
1/0.5=2
1/025=4
i know that you are not supposed to divide by zero, because it messes up everything
but according to the first rule wouldn't it mean that 1/0=infinity
(i know it doesn't work if you reverse it, but please wait)
so the universe started from nothing/0, so if 0/0=infinity wouldn't that explain a lot, but how can you physically divide by zero?
if this theory stands, then wouldn't it mean that the universe can be destoyed and created by a black hole, since its 0.
 
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Why should 0/0 equal what 1/0 might equal?
 
0/100000000000000 = 0, 0/0.00000000000000001 = 0
 
The math part: the limit of 1/n as n approaches 0 is infinity, correct? However, this is very different than inccorectly stating that 1/0 = infinity.

As for the rest of the first post, I think that makes no sense whatsoever.
 
Summing zeros infinite times still results in 0. Summing 0.00(any number of zeros here)000001 infinite times results in infinity. A big difference.
 
Arkarian said:
1. we know that the smaller the fraction we divide the bigger the outcome
1/0.5=2
1/025=4
i know that you are not supposed to divide by zero, because it messes up everything
but according to the first rule wouldn't it mean that 1/0=infinity

Try solving for x:

1=x*0

You can't do it.

It's undefined.

(i know it doesn't work if you reverse it, but please wait)
so the universe started from nothing/0, so if 0/0=infinity wouldn't that explain a lot, but how can you physically divide by zero?

You can't.

Numbers cannot be divided physically.

if this theory stands, then wouldn't it mean that the universe can be destoyed and created by a black hole, since its 0.

It's not a theory. It doesn't explain anything.

I used to be interested in this divided by zero stuff because after I took pre-calculus in the 11th grade, I had no math class in the 12th grade. But when I took Calculus I in college, I realize the mistake I made.

Take calculus.
 

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