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
.
Problem 2: Write the numerator, denominator, and division symbol for the simple fraction
.
Problem 3: Write the numerator, denominator, and division symbol for the simple fraction
.
Problem 4: Write the numerator, denominator, and division symbol for the simple fraction
.
Problem 5: Write the numerator, denominator, and division symbol for the simple fraction
.
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