#DIV/0!

[matty_lou82]

Hi - Is there a way I can actually divide by a zero and return the actual correct number rather than #DIV/0!.

I.e. - 250/0 = 250

Hopefully an easy one for a Friday (ps I have checked similar posts too but cant my answer)

 

[diddi]

the correct answer is "undefined"

 

[Tom Urtis]

Your question is absolutely bizarre.

Dissecting it,
"Is there a way I can actually divide by a zero"
No.

"and return the actual correct number rather than #DIV/0!"
There is no "actual correct number" because a number cannot be divided by zero; the result is "undefined" in mathematical terms.

What you claim to want is the formula's result to be (using your example) the numerator of 250 which means you purposely want an incorrect result to be what you claim is "the actual correct number". You can contrive some conditional text return for that formula but it violates a basic rule of mathematics.

 

[matty_lou82]

Your question is absolutely bizarre.

Dissecting it,
"Is there a way I can actually divide by a zero"
No.

"and return the actual correct number rather than #DIV/0!"
There is no "actual correct number" because a number cannot be divided by zero; the result is "undefined" in mathematical terms.

What you claim to want is the formula's result to be (using your example) the numerator of 250 which means you purposely want an incorrect result to be what you claim is "the actual correct number". You can contrive some conditional text return for that formula but it violates a basic rule of mathematics.

I see, on reflection I haven't thought this through. Thanks for the feedback, totally makes sense

 

[hmltnangel]

COuldnt you just use an Iferror formula.

ie: =iferror(x/y,x)

Yes it defies maths, but gives you what you want.

 

[matty_lou82]

Your question is absolutely bizarre.

Dissecting it,
"Is there a way I can actually divide by a zero"
No.

"and return the actual correct number rather than #DIV/0!"
There is no "actual correct number" because a number cannot be divided by zero; the result is "undefined" in mathematical terms.

What you claim to want is the formula's result to be (using your example) the numerator of 250 which means you purposely want an incorrect result to be what you claim is "the actual correct number". You can contrive some conditional text return for that formula but it violates a basic rule of mathematics.

For context purposes, the scenario as to why I asked this is involves me looking at hit rate versus contacts made. Anything with a contact rate of over 100 with zero hit rate, I want to highlight (therefore 100/0 = 100.... and hence will be highlighted).

A little convoluted and strange logic, and I understand your point, but for the purposes of this exercise it was required.

Thank you for getting back to me, much appreciated.