help please...
we say if xy=0 then either x=0 or y=0
why this is not true that if xy=0 then x=0 and y=0

Question

help please...
we say if xy=0 then either x=0 or y=0
why this is not true that if xy=0 then x=0 and y=0

kinggeorge · Answer

If xy=0, then it's possible that x=0, y=5. The statement says that if xy=0, then both x and y are 0. It's not necessary that both x and y are 0.

anonymous · Answer

but is it possible that both are 0?

anonymous · Answer

It is possible but the statement only says that when x and y are multiplied together it equals 0

kinggeorge · Answer

it's possible, but it isn't guaranteed.

anonymous · Answer

Very insightful @KingGeorge, @cass1 and @rosy

anonymous · Answer

shouldn't 0/0 form problem arise?

kinggeorge · Answer

yup. We can't divide by 0.

anonymous · Answer

it means it is not possible that both are 0
isn't it?

anonymous · Answer

No, both can be 0 however that is not the only possible values for x and y