Why does an infinite number of .3's not equal 1/3?

[Algr]

In another thread it was stated that an infinite number of zeros is undefined - different equations could make this value be any number you wanted. It was also stated that multiplying a number by infinity was meaningless, and inf/inf is NOT one, but also undefined.

How then is it possible for an infinite number of .3's to equal 1/3, or indeed any real number? Wouldn't an infinite number of positive values invariably equal infinity?

Also, by definition, adding an extra 3 to a finite string of 3s would never result in 1/3, so why would repeating a failed process an infinite number of times result in success?

So how do we calculate 0.33333 as a fraction?

 

[ice109]

a number with infinite decimals is almost the definition of a real number.

the sequence of partial sums of this:

\sum^{\infty}_{i=1}\frac{3}{(10)^i}

is definition of 1/3 in the reals.

 

[Hurkyl]

In another thread it was stated that an infinite number of zeros is undefined

I imagine what was actually said is a slight variation of this -- such a thing would be perfectly reasonable in certain contexts. (e.g. there are strings of characters that consist of infinitely many zeroes)

It was also stated that multiplying a number by infinity was meaningless,

Meaningless in the real numbers (and the naturals, complexes, integers, etc) -- however other structures may have an element named "infinity", and those structures may have a multiplication operation for which some products involving infinity are meaningful.

(Two of the most common examples are the projective real numbers and the extended real numbers)

How then is it possible for an infinite number of .3's to equal 1/3

I assume you didn't mean an "infinite number of .3's", but instead "the decimial number consisting of infinitely many 3's to the right of the decimal place (and 0's to the left)"? It's fairly simple, and follows directly from the definition of decimal multiplication, decimal equality, and division: 3 * 0.333... = 1.

Alternatively, you can apply the formula to compute the real number denoted by the decimal string 0.333..., and observe that it results in the real number 1/3. (As ice109 did)

Also, by definition, adding an extra 3 to a finite string of 3s would never result in 1/3, so why would repeating a failed process an infinite number of times result in a success?

Not by definition. And there are flaws in your logic:

. You cannot form 0.333... by (ordinarily) iterating that process -- you would have to invoke some sort of transfinite iteration, which also includes "limit" steps.

. That form of induction only works for ordinary iteration -- it does not pass through a limit, and so cannot be used to generalize from the finite to the infinite.

 

[Werg22]

A number with infinite number of decimals should be understood to represent a limit; in the case of rationals, this limit can be expressed as a ratio of two integers.

 

[DavidWhitbeck]

Wouldn't an infinite number of positive values invariably equal infinity? Also, by definition, adding an extra 3 to a finite string of 3s would never result in 1/3, so why would repeating a failed process an infinite number of times result in a success?

? You are doing nothing but playing with words.

The set S=\{.3,.33,.333,\hdots\} is bounded above, and thus must must have a least upper bound, either by axiom, or proven by construction of the real number line using Dedekind cuts. It shouldn't be difficult for you to figure out what sup S is. Since infinity, last time I checked, is not a real number I think we're done now.

Notice that the least upper bound is not an element of S, nor does it need to be. Jumping to it must be infinity if it doesn't below does not make logical sense.

 

[HallsofIvy]

In another thread it was stated that an infinite number of zeros is undefined?

I suspect what was said was that an infinite number of zeros (after the decimal point), followed by a 1 (or other nonzero digit) is undefined. An infinite number of zeros, after the decimal point, is, of course, just 0.

There have been people who tried to argue "The difference between 1.0 and 0.999... (repeating) is 0. an infinite number of 0s followed by a 1" and so they were NOT the same. The only way such a construction could make sense would be as the limit of the sequence 0.1, 0.01, 0.001, 0.0001, 0.00001, ... and it is easy to show that that limit is 0, not "an infinite number of zeros followed by 1".

 

[quadraphonics]

Also, by definition, adding an extra 3 to a finite string of 3s would never result in 1/3, so why would repeating a failed process an infinite number of times result in a success?

Because every time you repeat it, you get a little bit closer to 1/3.

 

[Hurkyl]

Because every time you repeat it, you get a little bit closer to 1/3.

You get a little bit closer to 1/2 too.

 

[quadraphonics]

Fair enough:

Because every time you repeat it, you get a little bit closer to 1/3, and the size of the next step you take is proportional to the remaining distance to 1/3.

 

[Algr]

What I meant about an infinite number of zeros is 0 * infinity, or {0+0+0+0+...}. These values are undefined.

For example, start with a value of 5. Divide it by x. As x becomes larger, 5/x becomes smaller. So it stands to reason that when x becomes infinite, 5/inf = 0. It also seems logical that if you take your divided parts and put them back together, you'd get your original 5 back. But if you describe that mathematically, you get 0 * inf = 5. This can't be right, since you could have started with any number instead of 5, and gotten that same number back. But what went wrong? It can only be that you can't multiply the equation by infinity to put the parts back together.

Now .333... means {.3+.03+.003+.0003+...}. How could that be smaller then {0+0+0+0+...}, when every value within is larger? If infinity isn't a real number, then how can a value defined by infinity ever be real?

What I understand about the calculus concept of "limits" is that it seems to be based on the _assumption_ that .333...=1/3 and that other infinite sequences add up this way. But because of that, citing limits as the answer is just circular logic. Limits sound useful for real world calculations, but as far as I can tell, they simply assume this result without ever really justifying it on theoretical grounds.

Because every time you repeat it, you get a little bit closer to 1/3, and the size of the next step you take is proportional to the remaining distance to 1/3.

What you are describing here is Zeno's paradox, which most philosophers do NOT consider solved. Again calculus simply assumes and declares a solution without ever really stating one. If I'm cutting wood or working out the volume of some shape, I'd be happy to assume that .333...=1/3, but in pure mathematics I'm sure that this is going to jump out and bite someone someday.

 

[quadraphonics]

For example, start with a value of 5. Divide it by x. As x becomes larger, 5/x becomes smaller. So it stands to reason that when x becomes infinite, 5/inf = 0. It also seems logical that if you take your divided parts and put them back together, you'd get your original 5 back. But if you describe that mathematically, you get 0 * inf = 5. This can't be right, since you could have started with any number instead of 5, and gotten that same number back. But what went wrong? It can only be that you can't multiply the equation by infinity to put the parts back together.

Right, which implies that "infinity" is not a sufficient mathematical description of the dividing process you have in mind. If you instead come up with a description that DOES contain all the pertinent information, then it's no problem to "reverse" the division process. I.e., you observe that x*5/x = 5, no matter how big x becomes, and so conclude that you divide by an infinite number and then paste it back into the original.

You can also use hyperreal numbers for this kind of thing, if you're so inclined. The resulting notation may be closer to what you seem to want.

Now .333... means {.3+.03+.003+.0003+...}. How could that be smaller then {0+0+0+0+...}, when every value within is larger?

Why is it a problem that 0.333... is not smaller than 0?

What you are describing here is Zeno's paradox, which most philosophers do NOT consider solved.

I don't share your impression that "most" philosophers consider this problem to be open. But, anyway, math is not the same thing as philosophy; mathematical systems are simply the outcome of certain sets of assumptions, and there is no question that 0.333... = 1/3, under the usual definitions of these things. Whether or not these definitions properly correspond to the real world is a seprate issue, and that's what people who debate Zeno worry about. But, really, do you actually think that Achilles will never catch the hare?

but in pure mathematics I'm sure that this is going to jump out and bite someone someday.

No, for the reasons mentioned above, it will not be a problem. It WOULD be a problem if you assumed 0.3... not equal to 1/3, as this is demonstrably inconsistent with the axioms of number theory.

 

[CRGreathouse]

It sounds to me like your problem is with real numbers in general, not just with 1/3. Why don't you google for "finitism". I also recall a paper with a title like 'What's real about real numbers' although I don't suspect you'll find it at an appropriate level.

 

[DavidWhitbeck]

What I understand about the calculus concept of "limits" is that it seems to be based on the _assumption_ that .333...=1/3 and that other infinite sequences add up this way. But because of that, citing limits as the answer is just circular logic. Limits sound useful for real world calculations, but as far as I can tell, they simply assume this result without ever really justifying it on theoretical grounds.

Well it's a good thing then that my post did not use limits, maybe you missed it? And you're confusing series with sequences. But saying that limits have no theoretical justification is nothing more than grasping for straws.

 

[ice109]

do you have any formal mathematical training? some of your ideas are good but you can't play this game unless you know the rules

 

[Algr]

Formal Training: I've gotten A's in Trigonometry and symbolic logic.

David: Not useful posts.

 

[CRGreathouse]

Formal Training: I've gotten A's in Trigonometry and symbolic logic.

So, no.


If you have an understanding of what "1/3" means, then it's not hard to see that 1/3 has decimal expansion 0.333... Without set theory (for Dedekind cuts) I'm not sure I could convincingly show that the decimal expansion 0.333... corresponds to a unique real number -- but this is mainly because any formal treatment of real numbers is not possible without such tools.

The completeness property of the real numbers is the reason that we can say that the limit of the sequence 0.3, 0.33, 0.333, 0.3333, ... exists in the real numbers. (The property actually works for all Cauchy sequences, but for you it's enough to know that it works for all decimal expansions.) If you don't like the completeness property, then what you're saying is that you don't accept that real numbers exist. (This in turn requires removing at least one standard axiom, but I take it you're not using any particular axiomatic formulation like ZFC?)

 

[JonF]

What you are describing here is Zeno's paradox, which most philosophers do NOT consider solved.

You're not serious right?

I strongly suggest you listen to what these people are saying, most of them actually do have a formal background in what they are talking about, and aren't making completely false claims, such as the one you posted above.

 

[ice109]

why don't you just divide 1 into 3 for a little while with your favorite division algorithm and see what you get? that should be sufficient proof.

 

[HallsofIvy]

And since 33333333333333333333331/1000000000000000000 is equal to 0.33333333333333333333 (for the first 20 digits anyway). you would consider that sufficient proof that it is equal to 1/3?

 

[ice109]

And since 33333333333333333333331/1000000000000000000 is equal to 0.33333333333333333333 (for the first 20 digits anyway). you would consider that sufficient proof that it is equal to 1/3?

umm that's not the same thing. I'm sure i can prove by induction on the division algorith that 1/3 = .3333...

 

[mathwonk]

you should read xeno's paradox. roughly, if i try to walk from here to the front door, first i have to walk half way, and then i have to walk half the remaining distance, and then half the remaining quarter of the way,... and so on.

thus i have to do an infinite number of things before i get to the door, and each takes a finite amount of time, so why does it not take altogether an infinite amount of time to reach the door?

i.e. is it possible for the sum of an infinite number of positive numbers to be finite?

e.g. here maybe it takes 3 seconds to walk 9/10 of the way, then .3 more seconds to walk 9/10 the remaining distance, then .03 seconds to walk 9/10 the remaining distance after that,... and so on,
then all told it takes 3.3333333... or 3 and 1/3 seconds to walk to the door.


more briefly, if a finite quantity can be divided infinitely often, then it must be possible to reassemble the infinitely many parts into a finite whole.

this paradox occurs in galileo's dialogues as well.

 

[CRGreathouse]

i.e. is it possible for the sum of an infinite number of positive numbers to be finite?

That is my interpretation of Zeno's paradox of Achilles and the tortoise, as well.

 

[HallsofIvy]

umm that's not the same thing. I'm sure i can prove by induction on the division algorith that 1/3 = .3333...

No doubt. But that wasn't what you said before: you said "just divide 1 into 3 for a little while":

why don't you just divide 1 into 3 for a little while with your favorite division algorithm and see what you get? that should be sufficient proof.

 

[ice109]

No doubt. But that wasn't what you said before: you siad "just divide 1 into 3 for a little while":

the suggestion of induction was implicit. but you're right i should've been clearer though not like this thread is very clear to begin with.

 

[Pere Callahan]

thus i have to do an infinite number of things before i get to the door, and each takes a finite amount of time, so why does it not take altogether an infinite amount of time to reach the door?

i.e. is it possible for the sum of an infinite number of positive numbers to be finite?

One could however argue- and people do - that it's not so much about the time you need to accomplish those infinitely many tasks, but if it makes sense to do an infinite number of things in the first place, regardless of how long if it would take you if you actually could ...well apparently you can, walking to the door is not a big deal.

 

[Hurkyl]

What I meant about an infinite number of zeros is 0 * infinity, or {0+0+0+0+...}. These values are undefined.

The expression (0+0+0+0+...) is usually used to denote a particular infinite sum, whose value is zero. That is not the same thing as 0 * infinity (or 0 * +infinity), which are undefined expressions in the projective and extended reals, respectively.

For example, start with a value of 5. Divide it by x. As x becomes larger, 5/x becomes smaller. So it stands to reason that when x becomes infinite, 5/inf = 0.

Does it really? Does it make sense for "x to become infinite"? If so, would "5/x" still make sense? If so, would "5/x" really be equal to zero? Is there only one infinite value, so that you can name it with "inf"?

None of these things are automatic, and I can name specific examples of numeric structures that demonstrate different behaviors. e.g. in the reals, it doesn't make sense for x to be infinite (but it does make sense to ask for the limit as x approaches +infinity). In the projective reals, there is only one infinite value, and 5/inf = 0. But in the hyperreals, there are many infinite values, and 5/x is never zero, even when x is infinite.

It also seems logical that if you take your divided parts and put them back together, you'd get your original 5 back.

Divided parts? Who said anything about divided parts?

What I understand about the calculus concept of "limits" is that it seems to be based on the _assumption_ that .333...=1/3 and that other infinite sequences add up this way.

Firstly, calculus is usually presented in terms of the real numbers -- so decimal notation has absolutely nothing to do with the foundations of calculus.

Secondly, your criticism has no force; it has two critical flaws:
(1) Insisting that all knowledge be justifiable in terms of more fundamental knowledge is known to be folly -- it's called the "infinite regress problem"

(2) Much of mathematics gains its applicability from its well-defined (but abstract) definition -- the very fact that you implied that you are working with decimal and rational numbers means that all of their defined and derived properties are applicable.

To state (2) differently -- if you insist that 0.333... and 1/3 are different, then you cannot possibly be using those symbols according to their usual meaning, which is:
. 0.333... denotes the decimal number with 0's in all places to the left of the point and 3's in all places to the right of the point
. 1 / 3 denotes the (obvious) rational number.
Conversely, if you are using those symbols according to their usual meaning, then we know that they are denoting equal numbers.

What you are describing here is Zeno's paradox, which most philosophers do NOT consider solved.

The only thing unsolved about Zeno's paradox is just precisely what it was that Zeno really meant.

 

[Gib Z]

(1) Insisting that all knowledge be justifiable in terms of more fundamental knowledge is known to be folly -- it's called the "infinite regress problem"

Ahh but that claim you make is obviously faulty, for how can one regress an infinite number of steps?

 

[trambolin]

Since nobody took the burden to give the famous example for these debates,

<br /> 3\frac{1}{3} = 3(0.333333\ldots) \Longrightarrow 1 = 0.999999\ldots<br />

Just to stir up the soup.

 

[DeadWolfe]

Formal Training: I've gotten A's in Trigonometry and symbolic logic.

This makes me wonder if this thread is a joke.

 

[HallsofIvy]

Since nobody took the burden to give the famous example for these debates,

<br /> 3\frac{1}{3} = 3(0.333333\ldots) \Longrightarrow 1 = 0.999999\ldots<br />

Just to stir up the soup.

OMG, please don't!

 

[ice109]

Since nobody took the burden to give the famous example for these debates,

<br /> 3\frac{1}{3} = 3(0.333333\ldots) \Longrightarrow 1 = 0.999999\ldots<br />

Just to stir up the soup.

and of course the right side is a correct equality.

 

[lurflurf]

How then is it possible for an infinite number of .3's to equal 1/3, or indeed any real number? Wouldn't an infinite number of positive values invariably equal infinity?

Also, by definition, adding an extra 3 to a finite string of 3s would never result in 1/3, so why would repeating a failed process an infinite number of times result in a success?

.3333333333...
is not a failed brocess it is a way of writing 1/3
in particular if x and y are real numbers with
|x-y|<p
where p is any positive real number
then
x=y

 

[zgozvrm]

I don't understand why ANYONE is confused as to why 0.33333... is exactly equal to 1/3!

If you divide 3 into 1 (using long division), you get: 0, remainder 1. But if you keep carrying out the division, you get 0.33333...

<br /> \begin{array}{rc@{}c}<br /> &amp; \multicolumn{2}{l}{\, \, \, \00.33333\dotsb} \vspace*{0.12cm} \\<br /> \cline{2-3}<br /> \multicolumn{1}{r}{3 \hspace*{-4.8pt}} &amp; \multicolumn{1}{l}{ \hspace*{-5.6pt} \Big) \hspace*{4.6pt} 1.00000} \\<br /> &amp; \multicolumn{2}{l}{\, \, \,0}<br /> \vspace{1mm}<br /> \\<br /> \cline{2-3}<br /> &amp; \multicolumn{2}{l}{\, \, \,1\phantom{.}0} \\<br /> &amp; \multicolumn{2}{l}{\, \, \, \phantom{1.}9}<br /> \\<br /> \cline{2-3}<br /> &amp; \multicolumn{2}{l}{\, \, \, \phantom{1.}10} \\<br /> &amp; \multicolumn{2}{l}{\, \, \, \phantom{1.0}9}<br /> \\<br /> \cline{2-3}<br /> &amp; \multicolumn{2}{l}{\, \, \, \phantom{1.0}10} \\<br /> &amp; \multicolumn{2}{l}{\, \, \, \phantom{1.00}9}<br /> \\<br /> \cline{2-3}<br /> &amp; \multicolumn{2}{l}{\, \, \, \phantom{1.00}10} \\<br /> &amp; \multicolumn{2}{l}{\, \, \, \phantom{1.000}9}<br /> \\<br /> \cline{2-3}<br /> &amp; \multicolumn{2}{l}{\, \, \, \phantom{1.0000}etc.}<br /> \end{array}<br />As you can see, the cycle continues and the quotient is never exactly resolved since the 3's repeat forever.

 

[Gib Z]

I don't understand why ANYONE is confused as to why 0.33333... is exactly equal to 1/3!

Probably because people like YOU say things like this:

As you can see, the cycle continues and the quotient is never exactly resolved since the 3's repeat forever.

That is precisely the incorrect logic that stumbles people on this.

I would like to say everything would be resolved if people just understood what defines the decimal notation, but even then a lot of people seem to think its impossible to sum those in "finite amounts of time" .

 

[zgozvrm]

I'm sorry to say, that my logic is not incorrect when I state that the "quotient is never exactly resolved."

You can never stop this division: You cannot say that 1 million "3's" will exactly equal 1/3, nor can you say that 1 million and 1 "3's" equals 1/3, etc.

I think everyone can agree that each successive division appends an additional "3" to the sequence and gives a decimal representation of 1/3 that is closer than the previous.

My point is that you can never stop the division; the division is never satisfied to an decimal number that can be quantified an any way other than stating that the "3's" continue forever (there is always a remainder of 1). Therefore, it is never exactly resolved (as a decimal number).

People may stumble on this, but that has nothing to do with "my logic."

 

[trambolin]

Do you occasionaly revive this topic?

 

[CRGreathouse]

You can never stop this division: You cannot say that 1 million "3's" will exactly equal 1/3, nor can you say that 1 million and 1 "3's" equals 1/3, etc.

Do you think Gib Z was suggesting you could?

 

[zgozvrm]

Do you think Gib Z was suggesting you could?

No. I was only justifying my statement that "the quotient is never exactly resolved" since Gib Z seemed to have a problem with "people like me" saying things like that...

 

[fluidistic]

Since nobody took the burden to give the famous example for these debates,

LaTeX Code: <BR>3\\frac{1}{3} = 3(0.333333\\ldots) \\Longrightarrow 1 = 0.999999\\ldots<BR>

Just to stir up the soup.

OMG, please don't!

Ahahahahah! Sorry, this was hilarous.

 

[Algr]

zgozvrm,

What is odd is you start out saying one thing, and then give an example that proves exactly the opposite. There is no place in math where an unfinished equation can prove anything. It seems to me that if a math problem can't be completed, then it has no answer. You can't simply assume that because the running total seems to be approaching 1/3 that that it must arrive at it.

 

[Algr]

Divided parts? Who said anything about divided parts?

If you want me to take your answer seriously, you might not want to pretend you don't understand the question.

 

[zgozvrm]

zgozvrm,

What is odd is you start out saying one thing, and then give an example that proves exactly the opposite. There is no place in math where an unfinished equation can prove anything. It seems to me that if a math problem can't be completed, then it has no answer. You can't simply assume that because the running total seems to be approaching 1/3 that that it must arrive at it.

Wow! I'm not sure where you are getting this.

1) I did NOT "start out saying one thing, and then give an example that proves exactly the opposite." There seemed to be some doubt as to whether 0.333333... was exactly equal to 1/3 or not. I simply proved that it was by showing the inverse: since 1 divided by 3 = 0.3333333... then 0.3333333... MUST equal 1/3! PERIOD!

2) I never said the equation was "unfinished," only that you can never finish the long division, as it continues forever.

3) I never said that since "the running total seems to be approaching 1/3 that that it must arrive at it." What I said was, the more 3's you append to the sequence, the closer you get to 1/3 (which cannot be argued), but that you cannot ever stop appending 3's. Once you stop appending 3's, you will have come to some finite number of 3's (and therefore, an EXACT decimal number) and this value will NOT exactly equal 1/3. The value ONLY equals 1/3 exactly, if the series of 3's continues forever.

By the way, the same holds true for 1/9 = 0.11111..., 2/9 = 0.222222..., or for that matter 2369/9999 = 0.2369236923692369...

 

[statdad]

"I simply proved that it was by showing the inverse" - no, you didn't. Your work indicates that the result is true, but it doesn't qualify as a proof.

 

[Sorry!]

I guess this leads to the famous conclusion that 1/3 x 3 = 0.9999999...

Because everyone knows that 1/3 = 0.333333... so therefore 0.333333... x 3 = 0.999999...
No matter how many extra threes you add to the end of the decimal it will always be 3x3 which gives you 9. It might approach one... but it never is one come on this is elementary stuff. :D :D :D :D.

 

[zgozvrm]

"I simply proved that it was by showing the inverse" - no, you didn't. Your work indicates that the result is true, but it doesn't qualify as a proof.

So you're saying that showing that x/y = z doesn't prove that z = x/y!

This fact cannot be disproved.


If you have an expression that looks complicated to you, such as

\frac{XY}{X+Y} = \frac{1}{\frac{1}{X} + \frac{1}{Y}}

It may be easier to show the inverse is true:

\frac{1}{\frac{1}{X} + \frac{1}{Y}} = \frac{XY}{X+Y}

\(\frac{1}{1/X + 1/Y} \times \frac{X}{X} = \frac{X}{X(1/X + 1/Y)} = \frac{X}{1 + X/Y} = \frac{X}{1 + X/Y} \times \frac{Y}{Y} = \frac{XY}{Y(1 + X/Y)} = \frac{XY}{Y + X} = \frac{XY}{X+Y}\)

How does this NOT qualify as a proof? It may not be a theorem or a postulate. We all know that if A=B, then B=A. If there is any doubt as to whether A=B is true, but we can show that B=A, we have PROVEN that A=B.

This is basic stuff. If you're going to argue this further, you obviously just like to stir up crap!

 

[D H]

So you're saying that showing that x/y = z doesn't prove that z = x/y!

No, statdad was saying that your informal demonstration does not qualify as proof.

 

[alxm]

2) I never said the equation was "unfinished," only that you can never finish the long division, as it continues forever.

Which is what you're getting criticized for. You're saying that as if it meant something, which it doesn't. So what if the division 'continues forever'? That doesn't mean you can't know the result. It doesn't mean the answer isn't a 'real' number. (I can't ever write all the decimals in Pi. So?). The statement doesn't have any relevance or significance, but is exactly what confuses people.

Once you stop appending 3's, you will have come to some finite number of 3's (and therefore, an EXACT decimal number) and this value will NOT exactly equal 1/3. The value ONLY equals 1/3 exactly, if the series of 3's continues forever.

No, infinitely, not 'forever'. Stop being anthropocentric. It's not about what you can practically add up in an amount of time. It's an infinite series, and 'infinite' means infinite in math. Not 'a really big number'. And an summation mark means a sum, not a command to 'add up these numbers'. Just because there's an infinite number of terms in a summation doesn't mean that its value isn't finite, or exactly calculable.

By the way, the same holds true for 1/9 = 0.11111..., 2/9 = 0.222222..., or for that matter 2369/9999 = 0.2369236923692369...

By the way, any number, whether it has recurring decimals or not, can be written as an infinite series in an infinite number of ways, e.g. 1 = \sum^\infty_{n=1}\frac{1}{2n}

The value of that sum is exactly 1. The fact that a human being manually summing up the numbers would never 'reach' 1 doesn't enter into it. You're not making anything clearer by saying that, you're bringing up exactly what gets people mixed up.

 

[zgozvrm]

No, statdad was saying that your informal demonstration does not qualify as proof.

I disagree: I showed that 1 divided by 3 was equal to 0.33333... therefore proving that 0.33333... was equal to 1/3. Besides, how is my "demonstration" informal? I showed by the simplest means (no calculus necessary) that 1/3 is equal to 0.333333... This is merely long division (is long division now considered to be informal?) Also, I referred to a fundamental law of mathematics: If X=Y then Y=X (is THAT considered to be informal?)

If person "A" doesn't understand how "X" can be equal to "Y", and I show to them the "Y" is equal to "X" then I have proven to person "A" that "X" is in fact equal to "Y"

Do I need to re-prove every basic mathematical law and theorem in order to make my point (I don't think so). I think it is a clear fact that 1/3 = 0.33333... and 0.33333... = 1/3. No matter how formal or informal you think that I've shown this to be true, my justification is valid, and therefore it is a proof.


If I put a million dollars in a box, then seal the box. I could tell somebody that there is a million dollars in that box, but they may not believe me. If I then open the box, show them the money and count it out, then I have proven to them that there was a million dollars in the box.

You guys are all over-thinking this. Algr didn't seem to believe something was true, I showed him a way to see that it WAS in fact true, therefore, I proved it to him.

End of story.

 

[arildno]

Division shows you that:

a) There is NO decimal sequence of finite length, say 0.333, that equals 1/3
b) You have NOT shown that the sequence of numbers, 0.3, 0.33, 0.333 converges to anything that could be called "a number".
c) Therefore, due to the crucial lack of b), you have NOT proven that 1/3=0.333... since you haven't proved that the right-hand side is anything meaningful.

 

[zgozvrm]

So what if the division 'continues forever'? That doesn't mean you can't know the result. It doesn't mean the answer isn't a 'real' number. (I can't ever write all the decimals in Pi. So?). The statement doesn't have any relevance or significance, but is exactly what confuses people.

Obviously, the fact that the division continues forever, indefinitely, or infinitely is ABSOLUTELY relevant! If the "3's" stop repeating at some point, then the value will not be exactly 1/3.

I never said that I/we don't know the result, only that it couldn't be written as an definite decimal number (only as a infinitely repeating decimal number, or as a fraction).

No, infinitely, not 'forever'.

Infinitely, forever? Pish-posh! If people don't understand that a number series that repeats infinitely means that it goes on forever, that's their (your) problem.

It's not about what you can practically add up in an amount of time. It's an infinite series, and 'infinite' means infinite in math. Not 'a really big number'. And an summation mark means a sum, not a command to 'add up these numbers'.

I never once mentioned adding or summation, nor have I used the summation mark in any of my posts.

(It) doesn't mean that its value isn't finite, or exactly calculable.

I never said that the value wasn't finite. In fact, it is finite and calculable, it's 1/3. I merely stated that you couldn't come up with an exact (finite, if you will) decimal representation of 1/3, since the "3's" continue infinitely (forever). On the other hand, 1/4 CAN be given as an exact decimal (0.25).