Why do we need to distinguish between rational and irrational numbers? What’s the importance of knowing where they fall between the two?
In: Mathematics
There is a story that goes with our discovery of numbers. It’s like evolving technology. That’s why new kinds of numbers are important. It relates to their applications.
Selling goods requires whole numbers. (Counting numbers)
Accounting requires zero and negative integers. (the integers)
Measuring and building stuff requires fractions (rational).
Trigonometry and circles requires radicals and pi (irrational numbers.). The fact that pi was not a fraction astounded Greek philosophers.
Understand complex fluid dynamics and advanced physics require complex numbers.
We haven’t found any new kinds of numbers beyond this, although I suppose you could argue quantum numbers used in quantum computers could be a new kind of number.
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