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Again, Suppose a 5, and b = 4·98, a b·02,

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Here observe, that as the difference between a and b becomes very small, the values of x and y become very large, and the difference between them is always m. Hence, since the smaller the divisor the larger the quotient, we may conclude, that when the divisor is actually zero, the quotient must be infinite. From this consideration, mathematicians have called the expresssion

α

0

that is, a quantity divided by zero, a symbol of infinity. They therefore say, that, both couriers travelling equally fast, the distance, travelled before they come together, is infinite. But as infinity is an impossible quantity, I prefer the term impossible, as being a term more easily comprehended. I shall therefore call a symbol of impossibility.

a

0

If a quantity be divided by an infinite or impossible quantity, the quotient will be zero. If b be divided by, it becomes

α

0

a

Multiply both numerator and denominator by 0, it becomes Oxb = 0. In fact, since the larger the divisor, the smaller the quotient, the dividend remaining the same, it follows that if the divisor surpasses any assignable quantity, the quotient must be smaller than an assignable quantity, or nothing.

One case more deserves our notice. It is when a=b_and m=0; in which case we have

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If we return to the equations themselves, they become

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This last equation has both its members alike, and is sometimes called an identical equation. The values of the unknown quantities cannot be determined from it. In fact, since m is zero, both couriers set out from the same point. And since they both travel at the same rate, they are always together. Therefore there is no point where they can be said to come together. The expres

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sion is here an expression of an indeterminate quantity.

0

There are some cases where an expression of this kind is not a sign of an indeterminate quantity, but in these cases it arises, from a factor being common to the numerator and denominator, which by some suppositions becomes zero, and renders the fraction of the form of ; but being freed from that factor, it has a determinate value.

0

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tor and denominator contain the factor a — b, which becomes zero when a and b are equal.

Dividing by ab, the expression becomes

a (a + b),

b

which is equal to 2 a when a = b.

0

It is necessary then, when we find an expression of the form before pronouncing it an indeterminate quantity, to see if there is not a factor, common to the numerator and denominator, which, becoming zero, renders the expression of this form.

The example of the couriers furnishes some other curious cases, for which we must refer the learner to Lacroix's or Bourdon's Algebra.

Let the learner examine the following examples in a similar

manner

In Art. IX. examples 15 and 16, the following formulas, relating to interest, were obtained. How are r and t to be interpreted, when p is greater than a; and how when a and p are equal?

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In Art. XXII. examples 12th and 13th, the following formulas were obtained. In what cases will the results become negative, and how are the negative results to be interpreted?

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It is required to divide a given number a into two such parts, that if r times one part be added to s times the other part, the sum will be a given number b.

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In what cases will one or both of these results be negative? Can both be negative at the same time? How are the negative results to be interpreted? In what cases will either of them become zero? Can both become zero at the same time? What is to be understood when one or both become zero? In what cases, will one or both become infinite or impossible? Can either of them ever be of the form

0

?

XXVII. Equations of the Second Degree.

1. A boy being asked how many chickens he had, answered, that if the number were multiplied by four times itself, the product would be 256. How many had he?

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This equation is essentially different from any which we have hitherto seen.

It is called an equation of the second degree, because it contains a2, or the second power of the unknown quantity. In order to find the value of x, it is necessary to find what number, multiplied by itself, will produce 64. We know immediately by the table of Pythagoras that 8 X 8 = 64. Therefore

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Note. The results of these equations may be proved like those of the first degree.

2. A boy being asked his age, answered, that if it were multiplied by itself, and from the product 37 were subtracted, and the remainder multiplied by his age, the product would be 12 times What was his age?

his age.

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x x x = x2 (x2 — 37) x = x2 - 37 x. By the conditions

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3. There are two numbers in the proportion of 5 to 4, and the difference of whose second powers is 9.

bers?

What are the num

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4. There are two numbers whose sum is to the less in the proportion of 15 to 4, and whose sum multiplied by the less produces 135. What are the numbers?

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Putting this value of y into the first, it becomes

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