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Pjpic
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If the bulk universe is infinite (IF it is), would mathematical physics have trouble describing it because infinity is not a number?
- So, there's no problem with actual infinity like the one you get with division by zero.Chalnoth said:Even if infinity is not a number, it is a very specific mathematical concept (well, actually a class of concepts, but no need to go into too much detail). So the answer is no.
There are actually ways to normalize some divisions by zero in sensible ways. For example, there's a theorem in complex analysis that states that the value of an integral along a closed contour in complex space is equal to the sum of the "residues" at the function's singularities (places where a division by zero occurs) that fall within said contour. See here for some more detail:Pjpic said:- So, there's no problem with actual infinity like the one you get with division by zero.
Well, not quite. Consider two different models of the universe, A and B. Model A happens to be finite, while B is infinite. In model B, some questions just can't be answered. In model A, they can be answered, but they might be wrong.0zyzzyz0 said:It seems, as I first entertain this thought, that whether or not we can make a probability comparison this does not bare on the question of whether the universe is finite or infinte. It would specifically rule out that particular kind of comparison, frustratingly maybe, but not the the possibility of actual infinity.
Infinity is a concept in mathematics and physics that represents something that has no limit or end. It is often denoted by the symbol ∞ and can be thought of as a value that is larger than any number.
Infinity plays a crucial role in mathematical physics, as many physical theories involve the concept of infinity. For example, in calculus, infinity is used to represent limits and in quantum mechanics, infinity is used to describe the singularity at the center of a black hole.
No, infinity is not a number in the traditional sense. It cannot be assigned a numerical value and does not follow the same rules as other numbers. Instead, infinity is a concept that represents something without bounds or limits.
No, infinity cannot be divided. Dividing by infinity is undefined and leads to mathematical inconsistencies. However, infinity can be used as a limit in mathematical operations, such as taking the limit of a function as it approaches infinity.
There is much debate among physicists and philosophers about whether infinity exists in the physical world. Some argue that infinity is purely a mathematical concept, while others believe it is present in certain physical phenomena, such as the expansion of the universe.