Zero in Division
Part of the Numbers & Operations section of Coddy's Pre-Algebra journey. Lesson 32 of 60.
Zero divided by any number that is not zero is 0. 0 / 5 is 0, because 0 × 5 is 0: multiplying back checks it. The same goes for 0 / (-8). Sharing nothing among any number of people gives everyone nothing.
Dividing by zero is different. 5 / 0 would have to be a number that makes 5 when multiplied by 0. But every number times 0 is 0, never 5, so no such number exists. Division by zero is undefined: it has no answer at all.
So the place of the zero is what matters. Zero on top of the bar is fine and gives 0. Zero underneath the bar has no answer, which is why a calculator shows an error when you try it.
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Numbers & Operations
1Working on the Board
Your First AnswerType the Next LineOne Line at a TimeDots and BarsFriendly ProductsRecap: Board Work4Adding Integers
Adding Two NegativesDifferent SignsZero PairsAdding Several IntegersRecap: Adding Integers2Order of Operations
Multiply Before AddingLeft to RightParentheses FirstBrackets Inside BracketsThe Fraction Bar GroupsRecap: Order of Operations5Subtracting Integers
Add the OppositeSubtracting a NegativePlus and Minus in a RowDistance Between NumbersRecap: Subtracting Integers6Multiplying and Dividing
Negative Times PositiveTwo NegativesCounting the NegativesDividing IntegersZero in DivisionRecap: Multiply and Divide