Why can you never divide by zero in the set of real numbers?

Question

skullpatrol · Answer

Dividing by zero would mean multiplying by the reciprocal, but zero has no reciprocal because zero times any number is zero, not one. Therefore, division by zero has no meaning in the set of real numbers.

alones. · Answer

Yeah.

xguardians · Answer

Dividing by zero creates black holes.

xguardians · Answer

Except for limits.

kainui · Answer

You could allow it, but if you do then you have to accept all the consequences that come with it which leads to inconsistencies.

$$\frac{n}{0} = \frac{n}{0}*\frac{1/2}{1/2} = \frac{n/2}{0}$$

jhonyy9 · Answer

yes @Kainui this is really nice but we have learned that a fraction with denominator zero is always undefined - how is this in your above wrote case ?

thesmartone · Answer

A lot of good points were raised on here: http://openstudy.com/study#/updates/55551148e4b0fb3e40110d4e http://openstudy.com/study#/updates/566bc910e4b0b955825ff626

bobo-i-bo · Answer

Anyone want to mention the extended real line or projective geometry or even inversive maps? (not that i know much about them) :P