Solve Division by Zero: Evaluating -13.8 ÷ 0

Q: Is 0 ÷ 0 the same as -13.8 ÷ 0?

No! While both are undefined, 0 ÷ 0 is called indeterminate (could be any number), while -13.8 ÷ 0 is simply undefined (impossible).

Q: What should I write as the answer?

Write "undefined" or "meaningless". Some textbooks accept "no solution" or the symbol $ \varnothing $. Never write a number!

Q: Does this happen with variables too?

Yes! If you have $ \frac{x+5}{x-3} $, it's undefined when x = 3 because that makes the denominator zero. Always check what values make denominators zero.

Division by Zero with Undefined Results

$-13.8:0=$ ?

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:04 Cannot divide by 0

00:10 Write division as a fraction

00:16 Therefore there is no solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$-13.8:0=$ ?

Step-by-step solution

Write the expression in the form of a simple fraction:

$\frac{-13.8}{0}=$

Since it is not possible to divide a number by 0, the expression has no meaning.

Final Answer

The expression is meaningless.

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Fundamental Rule: Division by zero is undefined in mathematics
Recognition: Any expression $\frac{a}{0}$ where a ≠ 0 is meaningless
Verification: Check denominator first - if zero, expression is undefined ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Assuming division by zero equals zero
Don't think -13.8 ÷ 0 = 0! This confuses division by zero with zero divided by a number. Division by zero breaks mathematical rules and has no answer. Always identify when the denominator is zero and recognize the expression as undefined.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following exercise:

$(+6)\cdot(+9)=$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't we divide by zero?

Division asks "how many times does the divisor fit into the dividend?" But zero doesn't fit into any number - there's no finite answer! It would break the fundamental rules of arithmetic.

Is 0 ÷ 0 the same as -13.8 ÷ 0?

No! While both are undefined, 0 ÷ 0 is called indeterminate (could be any number), while -13.8 ÷ 0 is simply undefined (impossible).

What should I write as the answer?

Write "undefined" or "meaningless". Some textbooks accept "no solution" or the symbol $\varnothing$ . Never write a number!

Does this happen with variables too?

Yes! If you have $\frac{x+5}{x-3}$ , it's undefined when x = 3 because that makes the denominator zero. Always check what values make denominators zero.

Why do calculators show 'Error' for division by zero?

Calculators are programmed to recognize that division by zero is mathematically impossible. The 'Error' message protects you from thinking there's a numerical answer!

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