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here’s how it makes sense to me: What question are we actually asking when we ask “what is 8 divided by 2”? We’re asking “If I have 8 jellybeans and break then
by marcusverus 3y ago
here’s how it makes sense to me:
What question are we actually asking when we ask “what is 8 divided by 2”? We’re asking “If I have 8 jellybeans and break then into two groups, how many jellybeans are in each group?”
So Consider the question for 8/0: “If I have 8 jellybeans and break them into zero groups, how many jellybeans are in each group?” The question itself is invalid. Answering with any number wouldn’t make sense, the only response that would make sense would be “what do you mean? There are no groups!” It’s almost like it stops being a math problem at all, hence no mathematical answer.
- Cyykratahk 3y agoExactly. And I find this is also the best explanation to give to people who don't have a maths background, but who still want to know "Why does the calculator say ERROR?"
- SargeDebian 3y agoThe problem with this explanation is that I should perfectly well be able to divide my jellybeans into 0.5 or -1 groups, though those also make no real sense in this example.
- phnofive 3y agoStretching the metaphor, but your jellybeans were in a group to start with, so halving it makes sense. Changing the sign is harder, but let's say your group of jellybeans was actually a loan, and you borrowed from two people... beans / -2
- TheCleric 3y agoThis is how I explained it to my kids.