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What does 0% mean and why is it allowed?

0% means zero over one hundred, which is a zero fraction with a value of 0. It is allowed because zero may appear on the top (numerator) of a fraction, but not on the bottom (denominator).

Conditions

  • The numerator is 0.
  • The denominator is 100.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Rewrite 0% as the fraction 0/1000/100.
  2. Evaluate the fraction, which equals 0.
  3. Note the rule that zero is acceptable as a numerator but not as a denominator.

Example

The narrator says zero percent would just mean zero over one hundred and calls it a zero fraction because its value is just zero.

Common misconceptions

  • Thinking that any zero in a fraction makes it undefined.
  • Assuming percentages cannot be zero.

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