> >> Infinite to me means never ending. A precisely defined value to me is a
> >> finite value.
> >
> > Your definition of infinite is not correct.
>
> Just glanced at my Websters Dictionary. infinite: 1. lacking limits; endless.
> Endless and never ending seem synonymous to me.
> What dictionary are you using?
>
> >> A never ending value is not finite.
> >
> > Pi is greater than 3 and less than 4, therefore it is finite.
I don't mind people using their own definitions of words; it's a
shortcoming of mathematics that fundamentally needs improvement. However,
once definitions are agreed upon, they must be at least internally
consistent.
If you take finite and infinite to be exact opposites, then we can't
discuss the magnitude of pi (the fact that it is greater than three and
less than four) to mean its "finite"ness, and it's length in decimal
digits to mean its "infinite"ness. If we did, it could be both finite and
infinite at the same time which is apocryful if those are opposites.
Language, NOT Mathematics, is (precisely) why these discussions are
problematic. If you've ever read original works by Archimedes, Euclid,
and others who try to define mathematics with a common language, you
understand the frustration.
While I think the topic is stimulating and important, the Mersenne list
probably isn't the best medium for it, unfortunately. Anyone recommend a
few good links on the subject? (Pi, The Language of Mathematics, any of
that)
---Chip
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| Chip Lynch | Computer Guru |
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