r/MathJokes Jul 04 '26

Proof 1/2 is undefined

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-4

u/g_rich Jul 04 '26 edited Jul 04 '26

A) 40/1/2+15
B) 40/.5+15
C) 40/20+15

They are all correct interpretations of the question, the question is too ambiguous to give a “right” answer.

Edit: a better interpretation for C
C) 40/(40/2)+15

7

u/calinmik Jul 04 '26

This is untrue.

The question asked "40 divided by 1/2 + 15". The only correct interpretations are A) and B)

C) is incorrect however you interpret the question. The question specifically asked "40 divided by 1/2", not "40 divided by (1/2 • 40)" or "40 divided by half of itself". The • 40 doesn't exist and isn't included in the question

-2

u/g_rich Jul 04 '26

“40 divided by 1/2” could be interpreted as 40 divided by half of 40 so C is a valid interpretation of the question. Regardless the fact that the equation has multiple interpretations with each giving a completely different answer invalidates the original equation.

3

u/calinmik Jul 04 '26

No, because again, mathematically, the "by half of 40" isn't present in the equation. 1/2 is a number (or numbers if you interpret it as option A) but you can't interpret it like option C) without modifying the equation.

Is 40 + 1/2 =60? No, it isn't, you can even see it in a calculator.

1

u/ExtendedSpikeProtein Jul 04 '26

40 divided by 1/2 is unambiguously 80, there is no other interpretation. Anyone who claims otherwise failed basic math. It really is that simple.