Is ]-∞, ∞[ the Same as All Real Numbers?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the notation ]-∞, ∞[ and whether it is equivalent to representing all real numbers. Participants explore different interpretations of the notation, its usage in various contexts, and the implications of using different bracket styles.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that ]-∞, ∞[ represents all real numbers, while others express caution about assuming this without context.
  • There is a discussion about the notation, with some preferring (-∞, ∞) or [-∞, ∞] to indicate open or closed intervals, respectively.
  • One participant mentions that the notation ]-∞, ∞[ is more commonly used in certain countries outside the US.
  • Another participant highlights the difference between the interval notation ]-∞, ∞[ and the inequality -∞
  • Several participants confirm that the notation is indeed used to denote all real numbers, but emphasize the importance of context in mathematical expressions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that ]-∞, ∞[ can denote all real numbers, but there is disagreement regarding the clarity and appropriateness of its use compared to other notations. The discussion remains unresolved on the best practices for notation and the assumptions that can be made without explicit context.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the notation may lead to confusion if the context of the variable x is not clearly defined, as it could belong to different sets (e.g., reals, integers).

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and educators in mathematics, particularly those interested in mathematical notation and its interpretation across different cultures and contexts.

syukai
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Does ]-∞, ∞[ (can also be written as -∞<x<∞) mean all real numbers?
 
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]-∞, ∞[

Never seen it written like that I would be more inclined to write :
[-∞, ∞] or more commonly me thinks (-∞, ∞) - to show that this is open

When you write -∞<x<∞ I guess the most common assumption is that x is contained in the reals but without context it really isn't smart to assume anything. Usually someone will specifically state x contained in the reals and -∞<x<∞ - or x contained in the integers and -∞<x<∞ or the set that x belongs to will be clear from the context.

(Sorry for not responding with yes or no but hopefully you understand why I could not)
 
If the brackets are facing outwards ][ then they're supposed to mean the points are excluded.
If the brackets are facing inwards [] then they're supposed to mean the points are included.
At least, that's what I was told, and that's what I read in my textbook.

Anyway, yes, I see your point. Another number with the answer of "all real numbers" simply showed the symbol for it, so I'm pretty wary of assuming that -∞<x<∞ means "all real numbers" as well.

Thank you for your input though. :)
 
I think the ] [ notation is used in other countries other than US.
 
syukai said:
Does ]-∞, ∞[ (can also be written as -∞<x<∞) mean all real numbers?

In general, I'd say yes. But, it's normally easier to write something like [itex]x\in\mathbb{R}[/itex]
 
NoMoreExams said:
I think the ] [ notation is used in other countries other than US.

Must be, in the US we typically use () to show open, and [] to show closed.
 
yes that's exactly what that notation means and pretty much the only legit use of the symbol ∞
 
Aaaah, thanks. I asked my math teacher before I read the last few posts, and confirmed that the answer is yes as well. :)
 
You say

Does ]-∞, ∞[ (can also be written as -∞<x<∞) mean all real numbers?

first of all there is a difference between ]-∞, ∞[ and -∞<x<∞, the first is all the real numbers, the second is the same as [itex]x \in ]-∞, ∞[[/itex]. You are right that ]-∞, ∞[ is all the real numbers, but an interval is defined from the real numbers, so that notation is rarely used.
 
  • #10
mrandersdk said:
You say

Does ]-∞, ∞[ (can also be written as -∞<x<∞) mean all real numbers?

first of all there is a difference between ]-∞, ∞[ and -∞<x<∞, the first is all the real numbers, the second is the same as [itex]x \in ]-∞, ∞[[/itex]. You are right that ]-∞, ∞[ is all the real numbers, but an interval is defined from the real numbers, so that notation is rarely used.

the itex tags are misrepresenting your point. I view it as x in ] -8743, 8743 [

But what you actially wrote was x \in ]-∞, ∞ [ with itex tags.
 

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