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The reciprocal function y = 1 / x . As x approaches zero from the right, y tends to positive infinity. As x approaches zero from the left, y tends to negative infinity. In mathematics, division by zero, division where the divisor (denominator) is zero, is a unique and problematic special case.
In arithmetic, and therefore algebra, division by zero is undefined. [7] Use of a division by zero in an arithmetical calculation or proof, can produce absurd or meaningless results. Assuming that division by zero exists, can produce inconsistent logical results, such as the following fallacious "proof" that one is equal to two [8]:
Zero to the power of zero, denoted as 0 0, is a mathematical expression with different interpretations depending on the context. In certain areas of mathematics, such as combinatorics and algebra, 0 0 is conventionally defined as 1 because this assignment simplifies many formulas and ensures consistency in operations involving exponents.
In computing, the modulo operation returns the remainder or signed remainder of a division, after one number is divided by another, called the modulus of the operation.. Given two positive numbers a and n, a modulo n (often abbreviated as a mod n) is the remainder of the Euclidean division of a by n, where a is the dividend and n is the divisor.
In abstract algebra, given a magma with binary operation ∗ (which could nominally be termed multiplication), left division of b by a (written a \ b) is typically defined as the solution x to the equation a ∗ x = b, if this exists and is unique. Similarly, right division of b by a (written b / a) is the solution y to the equation y ∗ a = b ...
The first American-made pocket-sized calculator, the Bowmar 901B (popularly termed The Bowmar Brain), measuring 5.2 by 3.0 by 1.5 inches (132 mm × 76 mm × 38 mm), came out in the Autumn of 1971, with four functions and an eight-digit red LED display, for US$240, while in August 1972 the four-function Sinclair Executive became the first ...
For example, the calculation x 0 may produce the result 1, even where x is NaN, so checking only the final result would obscure the fact that a calculation before the x 0 resulted in a NaN. In general, then, a later test for a set invalid flag is needed to detect all cases where NaNs are introduced [ 3 ] (see Function definition below for ...
In particular, division by zero is meaningful. The real numbers can be extended to a wheel, as can any commutative ring . The term wheel is inspired by the topological picture ⊙ {\displaystyle \odot } of the real projective line together with an extra point ⊥ ( bottom element ) such that ⊥ = 0 / 0 {\displaystyle \bot =0/0} .