Math 2.0

Real functions Object

Real numbers

Description

The real numbers are the numbers that measure continuous quantities, such as lengths. We picture them as the points of a line. We write ℝ\mathbb{R} for the set of real numbers. With addition, multiplication and its order, ℝ\mathbb{R} is an ordered field. This ordered field is complete: each nonempty subset of ℝ\mathbb{R} that is bounded above has a least upper bound. Up to a unique isomorphism, ℝ\mathbb{R} is the only complete ordered field.

Remarks

The set ℝ\mathbb{R} contains the rational numbers and also irrational numbers such as 2\sqrt{2} and π\pi. Two common constructions of ℝ\mathbb{R} from ℚ\mathbb{Q} use Dedekind cuts or Cauchy sequences. The set ℝ\mathbb{R} is uncountable.

Where this leads

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Further reading

  1. Web https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_number, lead section
  2. Web https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_number, Characterizing properties
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