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In Mathematics / Middle School | 2014-11-13

Explain why you cannot multiply or divide by zero to find equal ratios.

Asked by Seling

Answer (3)

zero isnt a positive or a negative number, so you cannot multiply or divide a number that is not there because it is considered an undefined number

Answered by diannacombs | 2024-06-10

Answer with explanation:
Equivalent fraction or equivalent ratios are one which may look different but are same numbers i.e. by multiplying or dividing a fraction by a same non -zero number we obtain a fraction equivalent to the given fraction.

A non-zero number is multiplied in the numerator and denominator since, the expression 0 0 ​ is a undetermined term in mathematics.

Hence, we cannot multiply or divide by zero to find equal ratios.

Answered by lidaralbany | 2024-06-12

We cannot multiply or divide by zero when finding equal ratios because it leads to loss of meaningful comparison or undefined expressions. Multiplying by zero eliminates the numerator while dividing by zero results in an undefined situation. Therefore, only non-zero numbers can be used to maintain the validity of ratios.
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Answered by lidaralbany | 2024-12-18