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RE: Research diaries #10: The real line, gaps in the rational numbers and the axiom of completeness

in StemSocial2 years ago (edited)

These are values in Q. They are not contained in B.

This looks convincing. In fact, that response alone cancels the other questions i would have asked.

But they do bound B from above ^^

But then this seems to be complicating your response.

The values you presented don't follow the rules of B ( for example, r = √1.5 or √(15/10) isn't a rational number). So my question, bound B in what context ?

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 2 years ago (edited) 

B:={ r ∊ Q : r2 < 2 } only takes elements from Q. Indeed r2 = 1.5 or r2=15/10 are not contained in it. We are viewing B as subset of Q. And looking for a least upper bound in Q (it is the same what we did for the R story but now R is replaced by Q). For B we cannot apply axiom of completeness and (you can prove that) B has no least upper bound in Q

I have seen the Wikipedia article on this topic, it looks more explanatory. You didn't answer my first question well, probably why i was still confused.

The set of values you presented (2, 1.5, 1.42....) are actually for r belonging to Q. You said they belonged to Q but never stated if it was for r or r².

 2 years ago  

Sorry I don't understand the question. r can only exist within the definition of A or B. So we can only view it as something contained in a set.

2, 15/10, 142/100 are in Q but not in B. But they do bound B from above.

I pretty much understand you, ok.

2, 15/10, 142/100 are in Q but not in B. But they do bound B from above.

please don't repeat this again, it's making you sound like a robot. 😂

How about using the Cauchy sequence approach, I like that one, it looks more understandable.

 2 years ago  

:P