Understanding 0/dt in Calculus: Exploring the Concept and Its Application

[cmajor47]

Homework Statement

I am working on a problem and am wondering what 0/dt is.

The Attempt at a Solution

Is it just 0, or does it turn into something with t?

 

[Roni1985]

u mean d0/dt ?
the derivative of 0 is 0 no matter what.

 

[UR_Correct]

Hmm, maybe it's a trick question, but logically, how does zero change with time? If your function is zero at all t, then I would assume yes, the answer is zero.

If this is for a lower level calc class, that is probably the answer. If it's higher level, then I am most likely wrong. :)

 

[Pengwuino]

0 is a constant, it does not change. Ever.

So just wait for a math junkie to come in here and say "it depends on what 0 is".

 

[HallsofIvy]

If dt is a number, then 0/dt= 0. If dt is a differentianl, then 0/dt is simply meaningless. I wonder if you haven't got a fraction in which the numerator has a limit of 0? If the denominator is going to "dt", a differential, then, essentially, you have a "0/0" situation in which the limit depends on exactly how that limit is taken.

Please tell us what the problem was from which you got "0/dt".