S.O.S. #4 The Rubbish Heap

S.O.S. #4 The Rubbish Heap May 10, 2020 21:57:51 GMT

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Post by Arlon10 on May 10, 2020 21:57:51 GMT

May 10, 2020 21:05:40 GMT general313 said:

May 10, 2020 20:33:24 GMT Arlon10 said:

The difference is described as "infinitesimal" which must be larger than zero because there must always be ("infinite" process, remember) an even smaller number before reaching zero. In order for the sum to be equal to 1 the difference must actually be zero which it never is. While indeed the difference is negligible in all real world applications that does not mean there is an actual equality. No, mathematicians do not confuse any ongoing process with fixed quantities, just retarded atheists who think they are mathematicians or scientists simply because they failed religion too. If "infinitesimal" means the "same" thing as "zero" why not just say zero?

You are quite wrong. The decimal expansion of a number such as 1/7 is by definition the exact representation of that number. In other words, (1/7) - (0.142857142857...) = 0.

You seem to be suffering from the misconception that since there's an infinity of numbers that the task of summing can never be completed. This is wrong, as can be demonstrated, going back to one of the examples from Zeno's paradoxes: divide a one-meter bar into the first half, the remaining half in two, ad infinitum. There are an infinite number of such half segments. Now, how long will it take to traverse all of these half segments when travelling at 1 meter per second? The answer is one second. We crossed an infinite number of segments in finite time. Nothing special about this really, we're essentially chopping up a finite time the same way we're chopping up a finite distance.

By the way, if you're going to continue using misplaced childish insults, I may just tell you to go fuck yourself.

   You seem to believe that it makes any difference what you call anything. It does make a difference, but only to you and your associates. You are not in charge here for example. I'm sure you can sell all sorts of cheap calculators with your attitude. I have one that uses better forms of expression rather easily. It has been thoroughly explained to you that the decimal representation of 1/7 is an ongoing process, and how that is different from a quantity. I have allowed you your right to arbitrarily define it however your work group finds it convenient. You do need to go, not I. My terminology "limit" is recognized by enough professionals that we can be fine without your contributions.

   You asked what the difference between 1 and an infinite string of 9s after a decimal point is and I explained it. Another way to explain it is 1/∞. However that is algebraic manipulation of something which is not a quantity, which is not allowed. Infinity is not a quantity. Is Infinity or 3 times infinity larger? There is no good answer. If infinity or infinity minus a million larger? There is no good answer. Why is that? That is because infinity is not a quantity, it is a continuing process, "3" and a "million" are fixed quantities.

   A topic for recreational speculation is whether there can be manipulation of processes where no fixed quantities are involved such as is infinity minus infinity zero? Play with that all day if you wish.