What is Multiplication by Zero?
What happens when you perform multiplication of a number by 0? Multiplying a number by 0 makes the product equal to zero. Remember that the product of any real number and 0 is 0. For any real number m, m⋅0 = 0. As per the zero property of multiplication, the product of any number and zero (0), is 0. Now, we have already learnt that zero is the additive identity, given that it can be added to any number without modifying the number’s identity.
Fundamental Properties of Zero
Zero and one are actually very special numbers and, thus, hold special properties. But zero also has some unique properties concerning multiplication and division.
Addition Property of Zero
Zero is the additive identity and since it can be added to any number without changing the number’s identity. But zero has some special properties when it comes to multiplication and division. When multiplying a number by 0 it makes the product equal zero, so the product of any real number and 0 is 0.
Adding 0 to a numerical digit leaves its same. 0 is known as the additive identity and the property is referred to as the additive identity property.
6 + 0 = 6
1 + 0 = 1
Multiplication Property of Zero
Zero is the additive identity and since it can be added to any number without changing the number’s identity. The zero property of multiplication states that when multiplying a number by zero, the product is always zero. The zero can come before or after the number, which means the position of zero does not affect the property.
So, 2 x 0 = 0. The zero property of multiplication applies to all types of numbers, whether they are integers, fractions, decimals, or even algebraic terms. It should not be considered the same as the identity property of multiplication, which involves 1 as the identity element and in which the product is the number itself.
Zero times any numerical digit is equal to zero, meaning that multiplying any number by 0 provides 0.
0 × 6 = 0
1 × 0 = 0
Exponent Zero
Any number raised to power 0 is one. For example,
290 = 1
-570 = 1
Exponent of Zero
The number 0 raised to any power remains 0. For example,
039 = 0
0-4 = 0
Zero as a Numerator
0 divided by any non-zero number is 0. For example,
0 ÷ 7 = 0
0 ÷ 45 = 0
Zero as a Denominator
Any division by 0 is undefined. For example,
51 ÷ 0 = not defined
12 ÷ 0 = not defined
Ways to Represent Multiplication
A number ‘a’ multiplied by a number ‘b’ can be represented in several ways as given below in the table:
Note: In algebra and beyond, while taking the variable x, do not use the multiplication symbol ‘×’ to denote multiplication, since it can be confusing with the variable x.
(Exception: it is conventional to use an ‘×’ for scientific notation).
Division of Zero
Dividing any number by zero is undefined. Division means splitting something into equal parts or groups so that it can be shared evenly among everyone. Though, the value of zero as a number is nothing. If it is placed before one, it is an even number that is neither positive nor negative.
For any real number m, except 0, 0/m = 0, and 0 ÷ m = 0.
Zero divided by any real number other than 0 is 0.
Note that, we can always check division with the corresponding multiplication fact. So, we know that
0 ÷ 5 = 0 since 0⋅5 = 0
Dividing With Zero
What about dividing a number with 0? Just imagine a real example: if there are no candies in the jar and five kinds want to share them, how many candies would each kid get? There are 0 candies to share, so there is no point in sharing something which isn’t present.
5÷ 0 = not defined
Solved Examples on Zero Property of Multiplication
Here are a few examples of the zero property of multiplication. These will help you learn the property of multiplication, how to multiply by 0 and its outcomes.
Example:
Simplify the expression 7/9 × 0
Solution:
Since it involves multiplication by 0 and any number we multiply by 0 = 0
Thus, 7/9 × 0 = 0.
Fun Facts
If there is 0 in multiplication, then the answer will always be 0.
Even the larger to largest numbers multiplied by 0 is 0. For example 9012765 × 0 = 0.
It really does not matter if the 0 comes first or not in the equation. For example, x multiplied by 0 = 0. Or: 0 × 7 = 0 or: 9 × 0 = 0.
It really does not matter how many numbers there are. If there is only multiplication taking place and then there is 0, the result will be 0. For example, = 459 × 9 × 0 × 5 = 0.
It does not matter the number of operations happening. If there is only multiplication taking place and there is 0, the result will be simply a 0. For example, 459 + 7 - 6 × 0 = 0.
0 × 0 = 0 (since we have zero 0).
FAQs on Multiply by Zero
1. What is the main rule for multiplying any number by zero?
The main rule, known as the zero property of multiplication, states that any number multiplied by zero is always zero. It doesn't matter if the number is big or small, positive or negative; the result will be 0. For example, 15 x 0 = 0, and 0 x 200 = 0.
2. Can you explain multiplying by zero with a simple example?
Of course! Imagine you have 4 friends, and you want to give each of them 0 candies. The total number of candies you give away would be 4 times 0, which equals 0. You can think of multiplication as repeated addition, so 4 x 0 is the same as adding zero four times: 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 = 0.
3. What is the result of zero multiplied by zero?
Even when you multiply zero by itself, the rule still applies. The result of zero multiplied by zero is zero (0 x 0 = 0). This is a consistent property of the number zero in mathematics.
4. Why does multiplying by zero result in zero, while dividing by zero is 'undefined'?
This is a great question that highlights a key difference in mathematical operations.
- Multiplying by zero gives a definite answer (zero) because it represents having 'none' of a certain quantity.
- Dividing by zero is 'undefined' because it's like asking an impossible question. For example, 8 ÷ 0 asks, "How many times can you subtract 0 from 8 to get to 0?" You could do it infinitely, so there's no single, meaningful answer.
5. Is multiplying a number by 0 the same as raising it to the power of 0?
No, they are two completely different mathematical operations with different results. It's a common point of confusion.
- Multiplying by 0: Any number multiplied by 0 is always 0 (e.g., 7 × 0 = 0).
- Raising to the power of 0: Any non-zero number raised to the power of 0 is always 1 (e.g., 7⁰ = 1).
6. How does the commutative property of multiplication work when zero is involved?
The commutative property states that you can swap the order of numbers in multiplication without changing the result. This works perfectly with zero. For instance, 5 x 0 gives the same answer as 0 x 5. Both equal zero, demonstrating that the property holds true.
