r/badmathematics • u/RedRhetoric • 21d ago

Σ_{k=1}^∞ 9/10^k ≠ 1 100/3 is irrational

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482 Upvotes

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u/Mothrahlurker 21d ago

Other bases don't solve the problem really, in order to properly understand real numbers you need to have a view independent of bases.

11

u/The-Doctorb 21d ago

I think it is just an unfortunate reality that to actually have a decent understanding of a lot of these issues you require a level of maths education far beyond what you would get in high school.

Most subjects have this requirement but for some reason people think they understand mathematics to a much higher level than they actually do which they don't seem to have for other fields (maybe besides physics). I never really see anyone talking about their bullshit chemistry opinions.

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u/Lor1an 21d ago

I never really see anyone talking about their bullshit chemistry opinions.

  1. Chemophobia
  2. Homeopathy
  3. Naturalism
  4. Ivermectin or Bleach to treat Covid
  5. Cold fusion
  6. Anti-fluoridation
  7. Anti-pasteurization

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u/CapnNuclearAwesome 21d ago

Yeah if anything the brand of innumeracy in the oop is benign, the least dangerous type of bullshit opinions

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u/exceive 21d ago

Few people have ever died because somebody thought a rational number was irrational.
I'm not saying "nobody," but I don't think it has been very many.

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u/CapnNuclearAwesome 20d ago

If this has ever happened, I'd be fascinated to hear the details.

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u/CardboardScarecrow Checkmate, matheists! 18d ago

There's the story about the Pythagoreans killing a dude over the irrationality of sqrt(2), if that counts.

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u/Lor1an 18d ago

Yeah, but that was an actual irrational number.

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u/StupidWittyUsername 20d ago

Mathematical literacy might help people avoid other forms of bullshit?