False Calculus: A Mathematical Paradox

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    Calculus
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the validity and interpretation of calculus, particularly in relation to its application to second-order equations like y = x^2. Participants explore the foundational concepts of calculus, including the treatment of limits and the implications of infinity in mathematical calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant argues that calculus is unnecessary for first-order linear equations and claims that the treatment of second-order equations leads to inconsistencies when considering limits and infinity.
  • Another participant references epsilon-delta definitions as a means to validate the correctness of calculus and mentions observational evidence supporting its use.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the coherence of the original post's arguments, suggesting that the ideas presented are fundamentally incoherent.
  • A later reply challenges the original post's formulations and asserts that the concept of taking delta x to infinity is incorrect, urging the OP to conduct further research.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; there are multiple competing views regarding the validity of calculus and the arguments presented by the original poster. Some participants defend calculus, while others critique the original claims.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the original poster's unclear formulations and the reliance on potentially misunderstood concepts related to limits and infinity in calculus.

E_Gracka
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OP warned to not post "noise" again
Calculus works for linear equations of the 1st order because it is simple geometry, and that cannot be faulted; one does not need calculus for this. Now take a second order equation, the simple function: y = x^2. From rudimentaries, detay y / deltax = 2x + delta x. That is the EXACT equation for the slope. One can make delta x as small as one wants, however the slope changes. Bringing delta x to infinity, and delta y follows, is the manner in which, all calculations are consistent, but not right. Infinity, as is well known, does not exist, for it is a mathematical trick for some aspects of mathematics to exist. Calculus is a manner in which, to normalise calculations throughout the mathematical and engineering field. Comments please.
 
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Are you familiar with epsilon-delta definitions which prove the correctness of the equations?

Are you aware that there is ton of observational evidence for calculus?
 
At least you could try to phrase your ideas coherently if you're trying to refute such a successful mathematical theory...
 
Cruz Martinez said:
At least you could try to phrase your ideas coherently if you're trying to refute such a successful mathematical theory...

Wow, Cruz! That is asking a lot. How can one hope phrase their ideas coherent when doing something fundamentally incoherent? It took a lot of guts for the OP just to put his thoughts up; it is too much to ask that they make sense too!
 
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In before lock.
 
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phion said:
In before lock.
:DD
 
OldEngr63 said:
Wow, Cruz! That is asking a lot. How can one hope phrase their ideas coherent when doing something fundamentally incoherent? It took a lot of guts for the OP just to put his thoughts up; it is too much to ask that they make sense too!

I meant grammatical coherence :D
 
It's locked now...

To the OP: A lot of what you wrote was incorrect; in particular, your formulations for ##\frac{\Delta y} {\Delta x}## and your idea that we take ##\Delta x## to ##\infty##. Please do some research before making absurd statements about calculus "being false."
 

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