Defining real numbers, Mathematics

Assignment Help:

The numbers used to measure quantities such as length, area, volume, body temperature, GNP, growth rate etc. are called real numbers.

Another definition of real numbers uses a concept called number line (we will learn about it shortly). According to this definition a real number is any number that is the co-ordinate of the point on a real number line.

Sets of real numbers and relations among such sets can often be visualized by the use of a number line or co-ordinate axis. A number line is constructed by fixing a point O called the origin and another point U called the unit point on a horizontal straight line L. It is shown below. Therefore, on a number line we observe that positive numbers are in the increasing order as we move to the right of the origin whereas the negative numbers are in the decreasing order as we move to the left of the origin.

166_real numbers.png

Each point P on the line L is now assigned a "numerical address" or co-ordinate "x" representing its distance from the origin, measured in terms of the given unit. Thus x = +-d, where d is the distance between O and P (shown above). The plus sign or minus sign is used to indicate whether P is to the right of the origin or to the left of the origin. If the resulting number line is drawn to some scale, each point P has a corresponding numerical value and to each real numerical value "x" there will be corresponding unique point P on the number line. This can be observed on the number line. In other words for a point say 3.7, there is only a single point on the number line and for a point Q there will be unique numerical value. 


Related Discussions:- Defining real numbers

Divisiblety test, find the greater value of a and b so that the following e...

find the greater value of a and b so that the following even numbers are divisible by both 3 and 5 : 2ab2a

Evaluate the mean of temperatures, Evaluate the mean of temperatures: ...

Evaluate the mean of temperatures: Example: Given the subsequent temperature readings, 573, 573, 574, 574, 574, 574, 575, 575, 575, 575, 575, 576, 576, 576, 578 So

Operations with rational numbers, larry spends 3/4 hours twice a day walkin...

larry spends 3/4 hours twice a day walking and playing with his dog. He spends 1/6 hours twice a day feeding his dog. how much time does larry spend on his dog each day?

Factoring quadratic polynomials, Primary, note that quadratic is another te...

Primary, note that quadratic is another term for second degree polynomial. Thus we know that the largest exponent into a quadratic polynomial will be a2. In these problems we will

Rectilinear figures, what are rctilinear figures ? types of rectilinear fig...

what are rctilinear figures ? types of rectilinear figures and their propertiees.

Find the least and greatest number of coins, Marc goes to the store with ex...

Marc goes to the store with exactly $1 in change. He has at least one of each coin less than a half-dollar coin, but he does not have a half-dollar coin. a. What is the least nu

Faltings theorem, What is Faltings Theorem? Explain Faltings Theorem

What is Faltings Theorem? Explain Faltings Theorem

Estimate percent of the original price will the customer pay, Bikes are on ...

Bikes are on sale for 30% off the original price. What percent of the original price will the customer pay if he gets the bike at the sale price? The original price of the bike

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd