Rule 1: Division by Zero in a Simple Fraction

The denominator of any fraction cannot have the value zero. If the denominator of a fraction is zero, the expression is not a legal fraction because it's overall value is undefined

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

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

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

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

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

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

Answer. There is no numerator, no denominator, no division 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 click on Answer to check your results.

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

Answer.

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

Answer.

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

Answer.

Problem 4: Write the numerator, denominator, and division symbol for the simple fraction tex2html_wrap_inline66 .

Answer.

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

Answer.

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Author: Nancy Marcus