Proving there is no smallest positive number

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mathematical proof that there is no smallest positive number. The argument presented involves the concept of real numbers and the use of contradiction. By assuming a smallest positive number, z, and demonstrating that a smaller number, such as z/2, can always be found, the conclusion is reached that the statement is false. This aligns with established mathematical principles regarding the density of real numbers in the interval (0, ∞).

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  • Understanding of real numbers and their properties
  • Familiarity with mathematical proofs and logical reasoning
  • Knowledge of the concept of infinity in mathematics
  • Basic skills in contradiction proofs
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  • Study the concept of density of real numbers in intervals
  • Learn about proof techniques, specifically proof by contradiction
  • Explore the properties of limits and infinitesimals in calculus
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Students in introductory mathematics courses, particularly those studying proofs and real analysis, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to infinity and the properties of numbers.

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Homework Statement


"True or false: there is a smallest positive number. Explain."

Homework Equations


N/A, but for practice I'll try my hand at phrasing it mathematically:
\forallx\in(0,∞)\existsz\in(0,∞):(z<x)

The Attempt at a Solution


My issue with the question is mathematically proving it - I'm a bit paranoid because I've been losing a lot of marks on communication and I don't think it'll be enough for me in this particular class to simply say that the statement is false because there is an infinite amount of numbers between 0 and 1. So, I was thinking it could be proven in a way similar to how we prove there is no largest real number...
Let z be the smallest positive real number such that 0<z<x where x\in(0,∞):
let x=z-1
then:
z<z-1
0<-1 which is not true. Therefore, the statement is false and there is no smallest positive number.
Is this a logical argument? This is my first course in proofs, and I'm a freshman, so I don't feel very confident in constructing my arguments. Mainly I would just like some feedback, and if I'm doing something wrong, could someone hint towards the correct argument...? Any response is much appreciated : )
 
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If z<x, why does x=z-1 ? I would try a contradiction. Let x= the smallest positive number. Then there is no number z such that x>z>0. Let z=x/2... its a little course in the phrasing but you see what I'm trying to do?
 
Right, that is a much better argument...I suppose I just misunderstood the proof that there is no largest real number which I came across in my calculus text. : \
 
I do that all the time. Flip a sign here, switch all for exists there, and before you know it, you're proving the wrong thing. It got me once on a test >_<
 
I see that you apparently understand the problem now.

One way to approach it would be to ask yourself, if given a positive number, x, what number is between x and zero?
 

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