Radiolab
Zeroworld
Dec 29, 2023
Joining the discussion is Steve Strogatz, a Cornell mathematician renowned for his insights into mathematical concepts. He highlights the age-old taboo of dividing by zero, explaining not just its historical context but its philosophical implications. Listeners are taken on a journey through the evolution of mathematical thought, exploring imaginary numbers and the existential dilemmas they provoke. The conversation challenges perceptions of value and existence, leading to a thought-provoking examination of freedom in a mathematically surreal 'zero world'.
33:47
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Quick takeaways
- Dividing by zero is forbidden in mathematics to maintain the consistency and functionality of mathematical operations.
- Mathematicians have a history of breaking rules to expand knowledge, such as introducing imaginary numbers to explore new realms of mathematics.
Deep dives
The Rule of Division by Zero
In mathematics, dividing by zero is strictly forbidden due to the undefined result it yields. This rule stems from the need for every operation to be undoable. If dividing by zero were allowed, it would violate this principle as there would be no way to obtain the original number through multiplication. Mathematicians have created a barricade, warning against dividing by zero to preserve the consistency and functionality of mathematical operations. This prohibition is crucial for maintaining the structure of mathematics as we know it.
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