dividing by zero
Undefined arithmetic operation
Dividing by zero is a mathematical operation that produces no valid result—the quotient is undefined.
In computing, attempting it typically crashes a program or returns an error.
Figuratively, dividing by zero describes any action that's logically impossible or causes a system to fail catastrophically: Asking him to be reasonable is like dividing by zero.
- undefinedNot clearly delineated
- infinityUnlimited extent or quantity
- errorFault in communication
- runtime errorFault during program execution
- impossibleIncapable of occurring
paradox · crash · mathematics · number theory · math class · forbidden · limit · singularity · black hole · collapse · absurd · nonsense · calculator · blue screen · broken · glitch · exception · void
- impossibilitiessquare circle, squared circle, perpetual motion, logical paradox, self-contradiction
- Famous Problemstraveling salesman, Monty Hall, prisoner's dilemma, trolley problem, continuum hypothesis