Math 2.0

object

Real numbers

Description

The real numbers are the numbers that measure continuous quantities, such as lengths. We picture them as the points of a line. We write R\mathbb{R} for the set of real numbers. With addition, multiplication and its order, R\mathbb{R} is an ordered field. This ordered field is complete: each nonempty subset of R\mathbb{R} that is bounded above has a least upper bound. Up to a unique isomorphism, R\mathbb{R} is the only complete ordered field.

Remarks

The set R\mathbb{R} contains the rational numbers and also irrational numbers such as 2\sqrt{2} and π\pi. Two common constructions of R\mathbb{R} from Q\mathbb{Q} use Dedekind cuts or Cauchy sequences. The set R\mathbb{R} is uncountable.

Explanations

L1 human

The real numbers fill the number line without gaps. The rational numbers leave gaps, for example at 2\sqrt{2}, and the real numbers fill these gaps. Each real number has a decimal expansion, such as 3.14159…3.14159\dots for π\pi.

What this node needs for W2
  • section Invariants: a table of the main invariants (0 of 1)
  • edge instance_of out (0 of 1)

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Sources

  1. Web https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_number, lead section
  2. Web https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_number, Characterizing properties