Question

The computer screen shows correct a #DIV/0! Error when a number is divided by zero in the calculations. Give the reason for showing this error (except the one given here). Also state the possible solutions to correct this error.

Hint:

The error appears when the divisor cell is blank or holds zero. Change the reference, enter a non-zero value, enter #N/A, or hide the error with the IF function.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understand the error:
The question says a number is divided by zero in a calculation, and the screen shows the #DIV/0! error.
We must give one more reason for this error, other than a number divided by zero.
We must also state the possible solutions. The official answer carries 1 mark for the reason and 1 mark each for the solutions, 4 marks in all.

Step 2: Give the reason:
Excel cannot divide by zero or by an empty cell, so it shows #DIV/0!.
The other reason is this: the formula uses a cell reference to a blank cell, or to a cell that contains zero, as the divisor.
Example: in the formula =A2/B2, the cell B2 is empty or holds 0. The error then appears in the cell holding the formula.

Step 3: Write the solutions:
Solution 1: Change the cell reference to another cell that holds a proper non-zero value.
Solution 2: Enter a value other than zero in the cell that is used as the divisor.
Solution 3: Enter the value #N/A in the cell used as the divisor. The result then changes from #DIV/0! to #N/A, which tells the user that the divisor value is not available.
Solution 4: Stop the error value from showing by using the IF worksheet function. The function first tests whether the divisor is zero or blank and shows a blank or a message in that case.

Step 4: Show the marks split:

Part	Content	Marks
Reason	Reference to a blank cell or to a cell containing zero as the divisor	1
Solution	Change the cell reference to another cell	1
Solution	Enter a value other than zero in the divisor cell	1
Solution	Enter #N/A in the divisor cell, or use the IF function to hide the error	1
Total		4

Final Answer:
The reason for the error is that the divisor cell reference points to a blank cell or to a cell that contains zero.
The error is corrected by changing the cell reference, by entering a non-zero value in the divisor cell, by entering #N/A in the divisor cell so that it replaces #DIV/0!, or by using the IF function to hide the error value.