- #1
BTruesdell07
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Is infinity - 1 still infinity. Also if 1\3 = .333... then wouldent 3\3not only = 1 but .999... as well?
Is 0.999... Equal to 1 or Infinity?
- Context: High School
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the mathematical concepts of infinity and the representation of numbers, particularly focusing on the relationship between 0.999... and 1, as well as the nature of infinity itself. Participants explore definitions, implications, and interpretations related to these topics.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
- Mathematical reasoning
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question whether infinity minus one is still infinity, with differing views on the nature of infinity.
- There is a discussion about the relationship between 1/3 and 0.333..., leading to the assertion that 3/3 equals both 1 and 0.999... according to some interpretations.
- One participant emphasizes that infinity is not a number but a limit, suggesting that one can approach infinity but never actually reach it.
- Another participant argues that no matter how large a number is chosen, infinity remains infinitely far away.
- There is a suggestion to consolidate discussions on this topic into a sticky FAQ for clarity.
- A participant humorously questions if infinity can be considered a place, likening it to a fictional location.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the nature of infinity and its mathematical implications, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without consensus.
Contextual Notes
Some discussions involve assumptions about definitions of infinity and the representation of numbers, which may not be universally accepted or resolved within the thread.
- #2
Moonbear
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I suggest you wander over to the math forum and take a look at the threads answering this question there. The thread requesting an FAQ sticky will be the easiest place to look.
- #3
mattmns
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I am not sure about the definition of the infinity question. But for the second part: If you have 1/3 = .3333..., then 1/.333333... = 3, so 3/3 = [1/.333333...] / [1/.333333...] which equals 1
- #4
ron damon
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keep in mind infinity is not a number, but a limit. You can come arbitrarily close to infinity, but you can never reach it.
- #5
Gokul43201
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Much as it pains me to do this, I will have to move this thread from GD to Math.
- #6
Integral
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Actually I don't think you can get close to it. No matter how big a number you choose, infinity it still infinitely "far" away.
- #7
Gokul43201
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Yes.BTruesdell07 said:
Yes again.
- #8
ron damon
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Integral said:
your definition is better
I like to think of it in the following way:let's say you have a=x/n . You can choose x to be the greatest number your imagination can muster (thus coming arbitrarily close to infinity). lim of a when n -> infinity will always be 0. So as you said, "infinity it still infinitely "far" away".
- #9
mathwonk
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is infinity a place? like oz?
- #10
Jameson
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How many of these discussions do we have to have going on? Can't one of the moderators make a sticky and address this subject once and for all? Please.
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