Construction of the Number Systems ... Natural, Integers, etc

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the construction of number systems, specifically natural numbers, integers, rationals, and reals. Participants recommend Ethan D. Bloch's "The Real Numbers and Real Analysis" for its detailed coverage and rigorous proofs, although some find certain explanations unclear. Additionally, Conway's "On Numbers and Games" is highlighted as an interesting and expansive approach to the topic. The consensus suggests that most analysis texts provide sufficient clarity and rigor, particularly regarding the construction of real numbers via Dedekind cuts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic number theory concepts
  • Familiarity with real analysis
  • Knowledge of Dedekind cuts
  • Experience with mathematical proofs
NEXT STEPS
  • Read Ethan D. Bloch's "The Real Numbers and Real Analysis" for detailed proofs
  • Explore Dedekind cuts in depth to understand real number construction
  • Study Conway's "On Numbers and Games" for an alternative perspective on number systems
  • Review additional analysis textbooks for varying explanations and rigor
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students of real analysis, and anyone interested in the foundational aspects of number systems will benefit from this discussion.

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At present I am trying to understand the construction of the number systems ... natural, integers, rationals and reals ...

What do members of PFs think is the clearest, most detailed, most rigorous and best treatment of number systems in a textbook or in online notes ... ?

NOTE: I am currently using Ethan D Bloch: "The Real Numbers and Real Analysis" ... ... where the coverage is detailed ... and proofs in particular are detailed and in full ... but some of the explanations are not particularly clear ... ...Peter
 
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I think most any analysis text will be sufficiently clear and rigorous. The only odd step is the filling out of the real numbers as Dedekind cuts on the set of all rational numbers.

Now an interesting approach which extends much further is Conway's "On Numbers and Games".
 
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Thanks Jambaugh ... appreciate your help ...

Peter
 

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