If I have 25 apples and multiply them zero times, why is it that I end up with zero? I understand zero times means no times, right? I mean, multiply by zero is no multiplication. Can anyone explain, please?
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1$25\times m$ means $m$ lots of $25$. So $25\times 0$ would mean $0$ lots of $25$, i.e. nothing. – Vishu Dec 12 '20 at 10:11
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Masic baths question? – Dietrich Burde Dec 12 '20 at 10:14
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See also here: https://math.stackexchange.com/questions/20091/is-there-any-physical-analogy-to-explain-multiplication-by-zero. And many other similar questions: https://www.google.com/search?q=site:math.stackexchange.com+multiplication+by+zero – Hans Lundmark Dec 12 '20 at 10:16
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What do you get if you have $25$ apples and multiply them two times? – Gerry Myerson Dec 12 '20 at 12:42
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Ok, if we use some "powerfull" definitions in math, we may remember that the set of Integers number (a.k.a. "$\Bbb{Z}$") is an abelian grup (if you want to know more about this, I recommend to start with basic ring theory; you may find a good resume here). Rings are more "complete" in some sense that groups, but, in my opinion, is easier to have some touch with then before.
So, doesn't matter if you multiply $a \times b$ or $b \times a$. Although it looks a rule to everything, there are others groups, rings, etc. which this isn't true (e.g. the Matrix multiplications). So in this case, what you may think is:
$0$ times $25$ is the same as $25$ times $0$. So,
$$ 0 + 0+ \dots + 0 = 0. $$ (Trust me, there are $25$ $0$'s in the dots).
The $0$ itself is something complicated in math and is a object of trouble since ever, just look at division, for example. So, I hope you've understanded and, otherwise, just get in touch!
big_GolfUniformIndia
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Put it in a simple way. We know multiplication is just repeated addition. Then,
$$ 25\cdot0 = \underbrace{0+0+\dots + 0}_{25\text{ zeroes}} = 0 $$
In an apple context, this means trying to add up an amount of zero apples. You won't get any apples, because there aren't any apples to add up.
Sirswagger21
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