Find the Missing Operator: Solving 99?99=1

Q: Why does any number divided by itself equal 1?

Think of division as "how many groups". When you have 99 items and divide them into groups of 99, you get exactly 1 complete group. This works for any non-zero number!

Q: What's the difference between ÷ and : symbols?

Both symbols mean division! The colon (:) is commonly used in some countries, while ÷ is used in others. $ 99 ÷ 99 $ and $ 99 : 99 $ mean exactly the same thing.

Q: Why don't the other operations work?

Let's check: $ 99 + 99 = 198 $ (too big), $ 99 - 99 = 0 $ (too small), $ 99 × 99 = 9801 $ (way too big). Only division gives us exactly 1!

Q: What if the numbers were different, like 50 and 25?

Then division wouldn't equal 1! $ 50 ÷ 25 = 2 $. The key is that both numbers must be identical for division to equal 1.

Q: How can I remember this rule?

Remember: "Splitting something into pieces the same size as the whole gives you 1 piece." Like cutting a pizza into pizza-sized slices - you get 1 slice!

Basic Operations with Equal Number Division

Choose the correct sign (?):

$99?99=1$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Determine which operation(s) are correct

00:04 Calculate each possibility and select the correct one

00:11 Addition means increasing the number, so it definitely doesn't fit

00:24 Any number minus itself always equals 0, doesn't fit

00:37 Dividing a number by itself gives 1, which matches the problem

00:44 This is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Choose the correct sign (?):

$99?99=1$

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem $99?99 = 1$ , we need to identify which operation, when applied between the two 99's, results in 1.

Let's evaluate the possible operations:

Addition: $99 + 99 = 198$ . This does not equal 1.
Subtraction: $99 - 99 = 0$ . This does not equal 1.
Multiplication: $99 \times 99 = 9801$ . This does not equal 1.
Division: $\frac{99}{99} = 1$ . This equals 1.

Clearly, the correct operation that results in 1 when applied to 99 and 99 is division. Thus, the correct symbol is the division symbol, represented by a colon $:$ .

Therefore, the correct choice for the operation is the division symbol: $99 : 99 = 1$ .

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Division Rule: Any number divided by itself always equals 1
Technique: Test each operation: $99 ÷ 99 = 1$
Check: Verify division works: $99 × 1 = 99$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Choosing subtraction because 99 - 99 = 0
Don't think subtraction gives 1 just because it involves identical numbers = you get 0, not 1! Students confuse "same numbers" with "result of 1". Always test each operation by calculating the actual result.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$1\times1000=$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does any number divided by itself equal 1?

Think of division as "how many groups". When you have 99 items and divide them into groups of 99, you get exactly 1 complete group. This works for any non-zero number!

What's the difference between ÷ and : symbols?

Both symbols mean division! The colon (:) is commonly used in some countries, while ÷ is used in others. $99 ÷ 99$ and $99 : 99$ mean exactly the same thing.

Why don't the other operations work?

Let's check: $99 + 99 = 198$ (too big), $99 - 99 = 0$ (too small), $99 × 99 = 9801$ (way too big). Only division gives us exactly 1!

What if the numbers were different, like 50 and 25?

Then division wouldn't equal 1! $50 ÷ 25 = 2$ . The key is that both numbers must be identical for division to equal 1.

How can I remember this rule?

Remember: "Splitting something into pieces the same size as the whole gives you 1 piece." Like cutting a pizza into pizza-sized slices - you get 1 slice!

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