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swamp-thing submitted a new PF Insights post
Irrationality for Dummies
Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
Irrationality for Dummies
Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
PeroK said:If you take a proper rational ##q = frac{m}{n}## where ##m, n## have no common factors, then ##q^2 = frac{m^2}{n^2}## is clearly a proper rational. Where would the common factors of ##m^2, n^2## come from? (To be rigorous, appeal to the fundamental theorem of arithmetic and unique prime factorisations).
In any case, proper rationals square to proper rationals, never to whole numbers. Hence, only whole numbers and irrationals can square to whole numbers.
Isn't that it in a nutshell?
PeroK : proper rationals square to proper rationals
Thank you, JorisL.JorisL said:Haven't checked the maths thoroughly but I really like your style of writing.
10/10 would read your future insights.
Hi micromass,micromass said:In your Insight you posted some kind of "walk" according to ##(1+ k/n)^2##. You said (and proved) that while doing this walk, you'll never land on an integer. Here's a question though: do you get arbitrarily close to an integer? For example, do you get closer than ##0.000001## to some integer?
PeroK said:If you take a proper rational ##q = \frac{m}{n}## where ##m, n## have no common factors, then ##q^2 = \frac{m^2}{n^2}## is clearly a proper rational. Where would the common factors of ##m^2, n^2## come from? (To be rigorous, appeal to the fundamental theorem of arithmetic and unique prime factorisations).
In any case, proper rationals square to proper rationals, never to whole numbers. Hence, only whole numbers and irrationals can square to whole numbers.
Isn't that it in a nutshell?
trilobite said:Ancient Greek mathematicians freaked out when they discovered that the square root of 2 is not rational. Like Swamp Thing, they were not dummies and realized that the existence of irrational numbers is a fact that is remarkable, deep, and a little scary.
Hippasus, according to Wikipedia, which says the story may be just legend.Bipolar Demon said:Was someone really murdered over it? Aristarchus? or a similar sounding name (apologies for the historical inaccuracy)
Irrationality refers to behavior or decisions that are not based on reason or logic. It is often characterized by impulsive or emotional reactions, rather than rational thought processes.
The purpose of "Irrationality for Dummies - Comments" is to provide a simplified and accessible explanation of the concept of irrationality. It aims to help readers understand irrational behavior and how to manage it in their own lives.
While irrationality may never be fully eliminated, it can be managed and reduced through self-awareness and cognitive techniques. By understanding the root causes of irrational behavior, individuals can learn to make more rational decisions.
Some common examples of irrational behavior include impulsive buying, overreacting to minor issues, making decisions based on emotions rather than facts, and engaging in self-destructive behaviors.
Irrationality can have a significant impact on our daily lives, as it can lead to poor decision-making, strained relationships, and negative consequences. By recognizing and managing our irrational tendencies, we can improve our overall well-being and success.