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Zero (constant)

Zero, or 0, is the name traditionally given to the additive identity in number systems such as abelian groups, rings and fields (especially in the particular examples of the integers, rational numbers, real numbers and complex numbers).

The development of a concept and notation for 0, probably in ancient Indian civilization, and its subsequent transmission to Europe via the Persians and Arabs, was fundamental to the success of western mathematics in fields beyond geometry. It has suprisingly much relevance due to its significance in positional number systems. For instance, normal commercial interactions might be seriously slowed if cashiers had to make change on a purchase of LXIV dollars with bills marked L, X, V and I when handed XC dollars.

Dividing by 0

Teachers keep saying, "Do not divide by zero." You might be thinking, Why? First, normally dividing by a smaller number gives you bigger results. So maybe $1/0$ equals ∞! But that is not the case. 1 over $x$ is the reciprocal or the multiplicative inverse of $x$. So anything times its reciprocal has to be 1. Therefore, 0 has no reciprocal because anything times 0 is 0.

Operations with 0

  • If you add a number to 0, the sum is that number. For example, $3+0=3$.
  • If you subtract 0 from a number, the difference is that number. For example, $7-0=7$.
  • If you subtract a number from 0, the difference is that number's opposite. For example, $0-3=-3$.
  • If you multiply any amount of numbers by any amount of 0's, the product is 0. For example, $3\times 0 \times 6\times 0=0$.
  • A number divided by 0 is undefined.
  • Dividing any number which is not equal to 0 will result in a quotient of 0. For example, $0\div 9=0$.
  • There is a special case when you try to compute $0!$. The result is 1. Find more by clicking the 1 in brackets: [1].
  • $0^a=0$ for any positive $a\in\mathbb R$.
  • $0^0$ is $1$ or undefined depending on the context.
  • $0$ divided by $0$ is indeterminate.


P.S. If you DO divide by $0$, then you will open a black hole and Earth will be sucked into nothingness. So, for the safety of yourself and your fellow Earthlings, PLEASE (please, please, please) don't divide by zero!

See also

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