"Your thinking Logically Ben_02 not Mathematically."
Here is how I see it. Math is divided (pun not intended) into two realms: The physical realm and the mental realm. We use many math concepts in the mental realm to help us solve problems. They are useful tools but some of them don't exist in the physical realm. For example, decimals and negative numbers don't actually exist in the physical realm. That is to say, they don't exist in real life.
Ben_02 is explaining why you can't divide by zero in the physical realm, and he is correct. Debating whether you can divide by zero in the mental realm is pointless. It is like debating what the word "cloud" means. If you want it to equal infinity, then it equals infinity. If you don't want it to equal infinity then it does not. Each person can believe whatever he wants in the mental realm.
"Someone got too much time to discuss irrelevant mathematical questions only mathematicians can/should solve."
This is not a math question. It is a philosophical one. A mathematician can use formulas to try and prove his point, but in the end, he is arguing about the mental realm, and simply can't tell other people what happens when you divide by zero in the mental realm. It is relative what happens.
I hope I explained this clearly.
99 percent chance that the above post is 100 percent correct.
"If Darl McBride was in charge, he'd probably make marriage unconstitutional too, since clearly it de-emphasizes the commercial nature of normal human interaction, and probably is a major impediment to the commercial growth of prostitution."
-- Linus Torvalds, December 5th 2003.
(Darl McBride is CEO of The SCO Group)
this place sucks but don't tell anyone, it's our little secret, ok?
I did further maths, so I can say with some authority that division by 0 is considered impossible. Then again there are various mathematical methods that rely on you doing exactly that and somehow make it legitimate. And yes, you can effectively divide by infinity or differentiation (and I don't mean telling a good game from a bad game, I mean calculus) would not be possible. And also, just to add to the list of famous stuff that's wrong, most of the Newtonian physics that you're taught in school is wrong. But don't write that in your exam.
Why the hell am I on the computer at 1 in the morning? No, don't answer.
Yes it is philosofical but there is an answer (sort of). From Calculus I learnt the "limit" as x goes to 0 for 1/x (or x=0) is either positive or negative infinity depending on whether you approach from the positive or the negative side... Of course inifinity is philosophy check out zeno's paradox, that is always fun to ponder. Other items connected with infinity are God, whose wisdom, goodness and other positive attributes are considered infinite and Eternity, times version of infinity. For instance as you approach the speed of light you lifetime would approach eternity (to an outside stationary observer) but still according you only 50 or so years would pass and then... The end, infinity and zero are only two of several important numbers you will learn about in mathmatics but their implifications strike the heart of philosophy.
Anonymous
Advertisement
Post Reply
Edited by the Author.
