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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 ] :
An underdetermined linear system has either no solution or infinitely many solutions. For example, + + = + + = is an underdetermined system without any solution; any system of equations having no solution is said to be inconsistent.
In mathematics, particularly in algebra, an indeterminate equation is an equation for which there is more than one solution. [1] For example, the equation a x + b y = c {\displaystyle ax+by=c} is a simple indeterminate equation, as is x 2 = 1 {\displaystyle x^{2}=1} .
Some authors of abstract algebra textbooks define an indeterminate over a ring R as an element of a larger ring that is transcendental over R. [3] [4] [5] This uncommon definition implies that every transcendental number and every nonconstant polynomial must be considered as indeterminates.
But the definition was soon extended to functions of several variables and to functions of a complex variable. In the second half of the 19th century, the mathematically rigorous definition of a function was introduced, and functions with arbitrary domains and codomains were defined. Functions are now used throughout all areas of mathematics.
Despite these subtle logical problems, it is quite common to use the term definition (without apostrophes) for "definitions" of this kind, for three reasons: It provides a handy shorthand of the two-step approach. The relevant mathematical reasoning (i.e., step 2) is the same in both cases. In mathematical texts, the assertion is "up to 100%" true.
This is an accepted version of this page This is the latest accepted revision, reviewed on 9 January 2025. Look up undefined in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. Undefined may refer to: Mathematics Undefined (mathematics), with several related meanings Indeterminate form, in calculus Computing Undefined behavior, computer code whose behavior is not specified under certain conditions Undefined ...
Indeterminate form is a mathematical expression that can obtain any value depending on circumstances. In calculus, it is usually possible to compute the limit of the sum, difference, product, quotient or power of two functions by taking the corresponding combination of the separate limits of each respective function.