>>>Nadya:
>>>
>>>>What is x/sin(x) where x->0? 1
>>>
>>>Correct, but that is not the same 0/0 which is undefined (i.e., mathematically speaking).
>>>
>>>Pete
>>
>>Pete;
>>
>>There are many branches of mathematics and some have different concepts from others. Within theoretical mathematics things get very interesting! “Normal” mathematics states that 0/0 is not defined. Set theory states 0/0 is 1. When I have created algorithms for Ph.D.’ s, I always have the rules defined. Sometimes you are dealing with abstract concepts.
>>
>>If you knew some of the Ph.D's I have worked with you would have a better meaning of the word "abstract" as I have experienced it! :)
>>
>>Tom
>
>Tom,
>I know exactly what you mean -- my undergraduate degree is in math, and I had wanted for many years to become a mathematician. But mathematicians get into some very, very abstract, almost wierd stuff, and I decided that computer science (which is not immune from having the adjective 'wierd' applied to it) was much more interesting, and the way I wanted to go.
>
>-- in computer science, 0/0 is whatever the language designers want it to be!! :)
>
>Pete

Pete;

I mentioned this before but it cracks me up. My Physics Professor, Dr. Paxton, was a U.C. Berkeley graduate and decided to take a theoretical mathematics course form one of the famous Nobel Prize winners on campus. This was a course you would take after taking Einstein’s theoretical mathematics course.

Imagine a class room for 1200 students with descending levels in a quarter circle focusing upon the “stage” from where the instructor stood with five assistants. Dr. Paxton told us, “I was late and as I descended the stairs towards an empty seat I heard the instructor say while drawing on the black board”, “as we approach twice infinity……”, Dr. Paxton then stated, “I turned around and left class realizing I had no business being there”!

Mathematicians and accountants must have something in common. We should ask Arthur Anderson – they may have the answer – any answer you want to hear.

Tom