Are There More Real Numbers Than Rational Numbers Without Complex Set Theory?

  • Thread starter dmatador
  • Start date
In summary, "more reals than rationals" is a statement in mathematics that refers to the fact that the set of real numbers is larger than the set of rational numbers. This can be proven using "Cantor's diagonal argument," which involves constructing a real number that is not in the set of rational numbers. The concept of "more reals than rationals" is important in understanding the infinite nature of real numbers and has practical applications in fields like computer science and statistics. Examples of real numbers that are not rational include pi, the square root of 2, and the golden ratio. Additionally, the set of complex numbers is larger than the set of real numbers, as it includes both real and imaginary numbers.
  • #1
dmatador
120
1
I am trying to figure out a way to prove this without using much set theory (i know that the rationals are countable and the reals are not). is there a way to show that there are more reals than rationals in a more straightforward proof?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org

FAQ: Are There More Real Numbers Than Rational Numbers Without Complex Set Theory?

1. What does "more reals than rationals" mean?

"More reals than rationals" is a statement in mathematics that refers to the fact that the set of real numbers is larger than the set of rational numbers. In other words, there are infinitely more real numbers than there are rational numbers.

2. How do you prove that there are more reals than rationals?

One way to prove that there are more reals than rationals is by using a technique called "Cantor's diagonal argument." This involves constructing a real number that is not in the set of rational numbers, thus showing that the set of real numbers is larger than the set of rational numbers.

3. Why is it important to understand the concept of "more reals than rationals"?

The concept of "more reals than rationals" is important in mathematics because it helps us understand the infinite nature of the real numbers. It also has practical applications in fields such as computer science and statistics.

4. Can you give an example of a real number that is not a rational number?

Yes, one example of a real number that is not a rational number is pi (π). Pi is an irrational number, which means it cannot be expressed as a ratio of two integers. Other examples of irrational numbers include the square root of 2 (√2) and the golden ratio (φ).

5. Are there any other sets of numbers that are larger than the set of reals?

Yes, there are sets of numbers that are larger than the set of real numbers. For example, the set of complex numbers is larger than the set of real numbers. This is because the set of complex numbers includes both real and imaginary numbers, making it an even larger set than the set of real numbers.

Back
Top