The spelling of the phrase "real numbers" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first word, "real", is pronounced /riːəl/ with the "r" sound at the beginning, followed by a long "e" sound, and then the "ah" sound made by the letter "a". The second word, "numbers", is pronounced /ˈnʌmbərz/ with the "n" sound at the beginning, followed by the "uh" sound made by the letter "u", then the "m" and "b" sounds, and finally the "er" sound made by the letters "e" and "r".
Real numbers are a fundamental concept in mathematics that encompasses the set of all rational and irrational numbers. The real numbers are defined as the set of numbers that can be represented by points on the number line. This set includes all positive and negative whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and irrational numbers such as √2 and π.
Real numbers are unique in that they can be compared and ordered. They are often used in mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Real numbers can be represented algebraically, graphically, or geometrically, and they form the basis for solving a wide range of mathematical problems.
The term "real" is used to distinguish these numbers from imaginary numbers, which are numbers that are not on the number line and involve the imaginary unit denoted by "i." Real numbers are considered "real" because they represent quantities that can be measured or observed in the physical world.
Real numbers are closed under addition, meaning that if you add two real numbers together, the result is always a real number. Similarly, they are closed under multiplication, division, and subtraction. This property allows for the creation of mathematical models that accurately represent and describe real-world phenomena.
In summary, real numbers encompass the entire set of rational and irrational numbers and can be represented on the number line. They are fundamental to mathematical operations and serve as a basis for solving mathematical problems in various fields.
The word "real" in the term "real numbers" comes from the Latin word "realis", which means "belonging to a thing". The term was first introduced by the German mathematician Richard Dedekind in the late 19th century to distinguish the set of numbers that includes rational and irrational numbers, collectively known as real numbers, from other sets of numbers. The choice of the term "real" was meant to emphasize the notion that these numbers represent quantities that can be measured or observed in the physical world.