Thread: Why you like programming?

>> Not right.

Well, it tends towards zero, and seeing as infinity is an abstraction, it was loosely said.

1/1 = 1.
1/0.5 = 2
1/.25 = 4
1/.125 = 8
...
1/0.00000000000000000000000000125 = 800000000000000000000000000

see any pattern? Towards what 'number' does the result tend as the denominator tends towards 0, but can't reach? Infinity. I always found it slightly odd that while x/0 is undefined, x/infinity is just 0 ... if you do some 'manipulation' ...


EDIT - oh dear ... this has just turned into a maths debate Never thought I'd see the day when I would be debating maths

twomers & risby: There is also the theory that you're wrong and the only reason dividing by zero is so bad is because you can mathematically prove anything you want to be true.

For any real number x:
x^2 − x^2 = x^2 − x^2
Factoring both sides in two different ways:
(x − x)(x + x) = x(x − x)
Dividing both sides by x − x, giving (0 / 0):
(0 / 0)(x + x) = x(0 / 0)
Simplified, yields:
(1)(x + x) = x(1)
Which is:
2x = x
Since this is valid for any value of x, we can plug in x = 1.
2 = 1

I have broken the Universe. OH SHI—

Calculus is pretty much based around dividing my zero.

I wish I remembered more of Douglas Adams' books :/


edit -

well x/0 is one thing, but 0/0 is quite another

Doesn't mean that it isn't relevant.

I know, but the question is whether 0/0 is 1 because what's above the line is the same as what's below, or whether it's 0 because what's above the line is 0 ... I prefer to use L'Hopital's rule to simplify these kinds of things instead of relying on my breaking down and simplification power.

Now what do you feel about Computer science logic and graph theory

*cracks out notebook*

You can do so much with it.

My good side:
Like bubba said, it brings out the creativity in me, wich would explain why I enjoy making games most of all.

My bad side:
Most people no nothing about computers. So I can take advantage of that. *devil*

One more thing though ... I believe we should embrace the ideals of the Romans and not have a number zero!!

> Saving people's lives on a daily basis was getting a bit stressful
If you don't mind me asking, how did you save lives? Were you a doctor?

Mario,

I like your awnser.

Although your avatar is junk.

If there's any reason not to become a math major, it's the pain you get from reading these divide by zero conversations.