The discussion centers on the concept of infinity in mathematics and its implications in both theoretical and real-world contexts. Participants clarify that infinity is not a number but rather a concept, with various definitions and properties, particularly in the extended real numbers. Key points include that operations involving infinity, such as "inf - inf" and "inf times inf," are often undefined or yield paradoxical results. The conversation also touches on philosophical implications, such as the nature of time and space, and the relevance of infinity in mathematical modeling.
PREREQUISITESMathematicians, physics students, philosophers, and anyone interested in the foundational concepts of infinity and its applications in various fields.
MightyKaykoher said:Infinite occurs in real life. Look up the definition of infinity on Wikipedia. ;
MightyKaykoher said:Infinite occurs in real life. Look up the definition of infinity on Wikipedia. ;
Emphasis added.In physics, approximations of real numbers are used for continuous measurements and natural numbers are used for discrete measurements (i.e. counting). It is therefore assumed by physicists that no measurable quantity could have an infinite value,[citation needed] for instance by taking an infinite value in an extended real number system, or by requiring the counting of an infinite number of events. It is for example presumed impossible for anybody to have infinite mass or infinite energy. Concepts of infinite things such as an infinite plane wave exist, but there are no experimental means to generate them.[citation needed]
The noun is infinity. Infinite is an adjective. Please get it straight.MightyKaykoher said:Infinite occurs in real life. Look up the definition of infinity on Wikipedia. ;