The .9999... Debate: Is it Really Equal to One?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter sublime
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical equality of 0.9999... and 1, exploring various perspectives on this topic. It touches on foundational concepts in mathematics and the implications of real number axioms.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that 0.9999... equals 1 based on their understanding and observations of the topic.
  • Another participant suggests reviewing existing threads, indicating that this is a well-trodden debate within the community.
  • A third participant argues that the equality is not debatable for those with a solid grasp of mathematics, stating that it follows from the axioms of real numbers and dismissing the need for further discussion unless one intends to redefine these axioms.
  • A later reply mentions that a similar thread was recently closed in another forum section, indicating ongoing contention around the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the significance and validity of the debate, with some asserting that the equality is settled while others imply that it remains a contentious issue.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication of varying levels of understanding among participants, with some framing the discussion as trivial while others engage with it more seriously. The debate may depend on interpretations of mathematical definitions and axioms.

sublime
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
0.99999... = 1

From what I have read and understood .999... = 1. Wherever I read it, I notice a huge argument sparked. What does everyone think.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
There are at least 20 threads on this topic, so I suggest you browse first.
 
Come on... not again. This is neither an interesting nor challenging topic for anyone with more than a school child's grasp of mathematics. The only people who argue it are, well, those with no more than a school child's grasp of mathematics. There is no argument -- 0.999... = 1 by the axioms of the real numbers. Unless you're trying to redefine the real numbers, there is no possible way that 0.999... does not equal 1. If you're interested in redefining the real numbers, well, we're not interested in listening. End of story.

- Warren
 
Last edited:
Hurkyl just closed this exact thread in "Number Theory".
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
31
Views
4K
  • · Replies 109 ·
4
Replies
109
Views
21K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K