Why can't you divide something by 0?

Let's go back to the definition of division: If we have a number o apples a and b persons to share them with, we can say that each person gets a/b apples. Example: 4 apples and 2 persons : 4/2= 2 apples for each person or 4 apples and 1 person : 4/1=4 apples Does it make any sense for these apples to be distributed to 0 persons? No. The main mistake is that people assume 4/0 is 0. In fact, the apples are still there (4/0 equals 0), but there are no persons to share them with. So a/0 is undefined, for any a= real number. Extra eplanation: graph method.

AM
Answered by Andreea-Lorena M. Maths tutor

4373 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find the turning points of the curve y=2x^3 - 3x^2 - 14.


Prove that the indefinite integral of I = int(exp(x).cos(x))dx is (1/2)exp(x).sin(x) + (1/2)exp(x).cos(x) + C


A spherical balloon of radius r cm has volume Vcm^3 , where V =4/3 * pi * r^3. The balloon is inflated at a constant rate of 10 cm^3 s^-1 . Find the rate of increase of r when r = 8.


A curve has parametric equations: x=(t-1)^3 and y= 3t - 8/(t^2). Find dy/dx in terms of t. Then find the equation of the normal at the point on the curve where t=2.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning