Abstract
Instead of simply characterizing division by zero as “undefined” to students, we argue that it should be considered on the basis of mathematically consistent equations. Division by zero leads to inconsistent mathematical statements that are just as invalid as other incorrect statements. We propose that division by zero should be characterized as “inconsistent” rather than “undefined.” Consistency underlies the fundamental truth of all mathematical equations and the interrelationships between mathematical objects.
Keywords
Division by zero, proof and argumentation, definitions, División por cero, Prueba y argumentación, Definiciones, Divisão por zero, Prova e argumentação, Definições
How to Cite
Kaufman, R., (2024) “An Argument for a New Description of “Division by Zero””, Ohio Journal of School Mathematics 96(1), 28--34. doi: https://doi.org/10.18061/ojsm.4175
Rights
Richard Kaufman