Rule 1: Division by Zero in a Simple Fraction (2024)

The denominator ofany fraction cannot have the value zero. If the denominator of afraction is zero, the expression is not a legal fraction because it'soverall value is undefined

This means , , are not legal fractions.Their values are all undefined, and hence they have no meaning. Onceyou encounter such a fraction in a problem, stop. You cannot proceedwith the problem.

Example 1: Find the numerator,denominator, and division symbol for the simple fraction .

Answer.There is no numerator, nodenominator, no division symbol because it is not a legal fraction. Thedenominator can never be zero in any fraction.

Example 2:Find the numerator, denominator, and division symbol for the simplefraction .

Answer.There is no numerator, no denominator, no divisionsymbol because it is not a legal fraction. The denominator can never bezero in any fraction.

Example 3: Find the numerator,denominator, and division symbol for the simple fraction .

Answer.There is no numerator, no denominator, nodivision symbol because it is not a legal fraction. The denominator (2-2) = 0 and the denominator can never be zero in a fraction.

Work the following problems and clickon Answer to check your results.

Problem 1:Write the numerator, denominator, and division symbol for the simplefraction .

Answer.

Problem 2:Write the numerator, denominator, and division symbol for the simplefraction .

Answer.

Problem 3:Write the numerator, denominator, and division symbol for the simplefraction .

Answer.

Problem 4:Write the numerator, denominator, and division symbol for the simplefraction .

Answer.

Problem 5:Write the numerator, denominator, and division symbol for the simplefraction .

Answer.

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