Thread: is there any negative or positive zero?

every number has sign associated with it. what about zero?

+0 = -0, so the sign doesn't matter.

Originally Posted by mathman

+0 = -0, so the sign doesn't matter.

sign does not matter!

Not in mathematics. Zero is just zero.

However, it may be worth noting that in the standard representation of floating point numbers in computers (IEEE 754) it is possible to have both +0.0 and -0.0. I think this is just a side effect of the way sign bits are encoded, it doesn't mean anything.

Originally Posted by mathman

+0 = -0,

And your proof?

Originally Posted by Guitarist

Originally Posted by mathman

+0 = -0,

And your proof?

as we know 1+(+0)=1 and 1+(-0)=1, so 1+(+0)=1+(-0) => (+0)=(-0)

why dont we use x (cross) in place of 0(zero)? as zero is absence of any number. cross represents it better. 0 (zero) sign shows that there is something circle and may be there is something inside it. zero shows possibility of something (i cant sy what that thing is!!!) cross has no such thing associated, as it clearly denies that there is nothing here.

(this is my new hypothesis)

Because we use x for multiplication. Changing the symbols we use doesn't change the meaning. I think the Indian mathematicians used a dot and the Sumerians used quite a complex cuneiform character.

precious isn't looking for serious answers.

Originally Posted by Ots

precious isn't looking for serious answers.

i know. zero is really infinite concept. i want to explore it. if you think i deviated from my initial topic (ie sign for zero) then you are right .

but what ever i think i post. and i am not a mathematician to be thoroughly interested in math. more you go deep more you will be confused. this rule applies for me. as i am an average person in math.

whatever i ask here is only my curiosity in nature not interest in any subject (including math)

thanx

Originally Posted by precious

zero is really infinite concept.

Quite the reverse.

@ otis

if we minus zero (zero #1) from zero (zero #2) we get another zero (zero #3)!

why? zero 3 should be less than either zero1 or zero2

(this proves that zero represents something, while x (cross) denies everything)

i know Strange is right, but change of sign is not a matter for me (from 0 to x)
strange is not denying the concept, only saying sign cant be changed.

otis this is new concept, i dont reamain attached to anything. sorry

Originally Posted by precious

this proves that zero represents something

Quite the reverse, it proves that zero represents nothing. If it represented something then the result would not be zero. Zero is defined as the value that when added to (or subtracted from) another value leaves the other value unchanged. Call it x if you want, it won't make any difference and will only confuse people.

If you write 204 as 2x4 people will assume you mean 8.

Originally Posted by Strange

Originally Posted by precious

this proves that zero represents something

Quite the reverse, it proves that zero represents nothing. If it represented something then the result would not be zero. Zero is defined as the value that when added to (or subtracted from) another value leaves the other value unchanged. Call it x if you want, it won't make any difference and will only confuse people.

If you write 204 as 2x4 people will assume you mean 8.

good answer

Zero is zero , if u said that u have borrowed zero rupees its means u borrowed nothing. There is no distiction whether it is positive or negative.

Originally Posted by Guitarist

Originally Posted by mathman

+0 = -0,

And your proof?

+0 really means 0+0.

-0 really means 0-0

details left to the reader.

Zero is a number and X is a sign of multiplication .So these two things are different .How you can compare these two ? and 0 is a neutral no. neither Positive nor negative.So if you will check it you will know that it doesn't matters.