Proving there is no smallest positive number

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The discussion centers on the mathematical proof that there is no smallest positive number. The argument presented involves assuming the existence of a smallest positive number and demonstrating a contradiction by showing that a smaller number can always be found, such as by taking half of the assumed smallest number. Participants emphasize the importance of clear logical reasoning and proper phrasing in proofs. Acknowledgment of common mistakes in mathematical arguments is also noted, with suggestions to clarify the proof structure. Ultimately, the consensus is that the statement is false, as there is always a smaller positive number between any positive number and zero.
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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?
 
I picked up this problem from the Schaum's series book titled "College Mathematics" by Ayres/Schmidt. It is a solved problem in the book. But what surprised me was that the solution to this problem was given in one line without any explanation. I could, therefore, not understand how the given one-line solution was reached. The one-line solution in the book says: The equation is ##x \cos{\omega} +y \sin{\omega} - 5 = 0##, ##\omega## being the parameter. From my side, the only thing I could...
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