Opinions on infinitely close things?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of infinitely close objects or numbers, exploring the philosophical and mathematical implications of such ideas. Participants examine the nature of proximity in numerical terms, particularly in relation to real numbers and their properties.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant believes in the existence of infinitely close numbers, citing examples like 3.9 and 3.99999999 being close to four.
  • Another participant agrees that while 3.9 is close to four, they argue that no finite number of 9's can make 3.999 equal to four.
  • A different participant asserts that the distance between two nonequal real numbers is always a positive real number, arguing that there cannot be a number infinitely close to another if they are not equal.
  • One participant suggests that the definition of "number" plays a crucial role in this discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the concept of infinitely close numbers, with no consensus reached on the validity of such entities.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence on definitions and the philosophical implications of mathematical concepts, particularly regarding the nature of real numbers and their properties.

Radarithm
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What are your opinions on infinitely close objects / numbers?
I believe in them, because I can say 3.9 is close to four, but 3.999 is as well, and so is 3.99999999.
I've heard of LOTS of scientists who disagree with this, can anyone prove this wrong (or right)?
 
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I would agree that 3.9 is close to four, and 3.999 is closer to it even, but no finite amount of 9's will make it equal to four.

I suggest reading https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=507001 first, then we'll talk :)
 
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The distance between two nonequal real numbers is a positive real number. Since there is no smallest positive real number, there is no number ##x## "infinitely close to" ##y## with ##x \neq y##.

Proof that there is no smallest positive real number: you supply your candidate ##x > 0##, I'll respond with ##x/2##.
 
It depends on how you define "number".
 

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