Real Numbers

1. Introduction.

A number is the expression of a quantity in relation to its unit. The term comes from
Latin number and refers to a sign or a set of signs. The theory of numbers
group these signs into different groups.
The concept of real numbers emerged from the use of common fractions by
part of the Egyptians, around the year 1000 B.C. The development of the notion continued with the
contributions of the Greeks, who proclaimed the existence of irrational numbers.
Real numbers are those that can be expressed by an integer (3, 28, 1568) or
decimal (4,28; 289.6; 39985.4671). This means that they encompass rational numbers.
(which can be represented as the quotient of two integers with a non-zero denominator)
and the irrational numbers (those that cannot be expressed as a fraction of numbers
integers with a denominator different from zero.

The Greeks believed that the entire universe was governed by natural numbers and their relationships.
(numeric fractions). They formed a kind of mystical-mathematical sect, which had as
symbol the five-pointed star (star pentagon).
When they discovered that the relationship between the side of the star pentagon and the
side of the corresponding convex pentagon cannot be expressed as a quotient of two
integers experienced a great upheaval in their mystical-mathematical beliefs.
They found this result so contrary to logic that to the corresponding number it
they called it irrational (contrary to reason).
Currently, the irrationals are as 'reasonable' as the rationals, and both sets
Numerical values constitute the set of real numbers.
[Link] of real numbers
In the dawn of the human race, the most primitive tribes dedicated their activities to the
hunting and taking care of the livestock herd. When the herd is large, it is necessary to adopt
some strategy to know if it has been lost or part of it has been stolen. For this reason, it is
indispensable the use of a numbering system that indicates how many animals
we have of each type.
Many civilizations, in the beginning, only distinguished between one and many or between one, two and
more than two. Subsequently, body language was used as fingers of one or two hands,
feet, elbow... and other objects like piles of stones, notches in a stick or piece of bone
to express quantities: one sun, two lambs, three horses… As we can see the
The numbers that are used are called natural numbers.

N={1,2,3,4,…}={1,2,3,4,…}

Little by little, different numbering systems began to emerge, which used

Many discovered tablets show that the Babylonians had a numbering system.
positional in base 60. This
system had a sign for
to sort out the inconvenience of the
empty positions, what
often led to the
error. Later they introduced
a new symbol that we can
consider I will know1.

In addition, they used fractions.

Plimpton 322 tablet

For about 5000 years, the vast majority of civilizations have used a system of
decimal numbering. First, the Egyptians with their hieroglyphs and later the Greeks,
chinos... However, writing has been very diverse and many peoples have been hindered.
scientific progress due to the lack of an effective system that allowed calculation.

Egyptian civilization 2000 BC began to use expressions that represented what we know.
fractional pornumbers. These fractions had the peculiarity that the numerator was always
equal to 1. In their writing, they represented an oval, which meant part or faction, and below or beside,
the denominator. The omission of the numerator was because it was always the same.

In the 5th century BC, the Pythagoreans found numbers that they called incommensurable.
numbers were neither natural, nor integers nor fractions. It is possible that this discovery occurred
when trying to solve the following problem:

Find the numerical value of the diagonal of a square with a side of one unit.

If we apply the Pythagorean theorem, we have that:

They discovered thus a number that we know as the square root of 2, √2. This number is not a number
rational, we will call it irrational number, and it is characterized by having infinite decimal digits that are not

periodicals.

The Chinese, around the 2nd and 1st centuries BC, used bamboo or wooden sticks to represent
the numbers and perform operations, especially commercial calculations. These sticks were black
and reds to represent positive and negative values. To the set of positive, negative numbers.
and zero is grouped to form the group of integers
Z={...,−2,−1,0,1,2,…}={...,−2,−1,0,1,2,…}.
The quotient of two integers with a non-zero denominator forms the set of numbers.
rational

Around the year 650 AD, Brahmagupta teaches in his writings how to operate with addition and subtraction using

goods, debts, and nothingness. They were used in later centuries, but were not accepted by many.
part of the mathematical community.

The Hindus observed that the positional value of the Babylonian system could be applied to the system.
decimal. However, it was not until the 9th century that the appearance of 0 occurred.

The current system was invented by the Hindus and transmitted to Europe by the Arabs. It was not established
until the 13th century and slowly. Authors like Leonardo of Pisa 'Fibonacci' tried to popularize
the system. This system was equipped with a horizontal bar to separate the numerator
of the denominator in fractions.

In the early 17th century, decimal numbers appeared as we write them today,
separating the integer part from the decimal part using a point or a comma. Decimal numbers
were imposed, in almost all countries, with the adoption of the Metric Decimal System in 1972.

Since the Greeks, mathematicians represented rational numbers and some irrationals in
a line, called a real line. Finally, they realized that the union of the two sets
that line was completed and this set was called the SET OF REAL NUMBERS
WARNING! "Among mathematicians, there is a great controversy over whether 0 (zero) should or should not be
considered a natural number.” What do you think about that?

Challenge: Find at least one fact, contribution, or curiosity about real numbers that does not appear in the
reading, then shares it in class.

To know more:
Demonstration that the square root of 2 is irrational

How did the different sets of numbers emerge?

1. Realiza un análisis de la lectura, identifique las palabras claves, así como las desconocidas
to consult and understand its meaning.
2. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of two of the following numbering systems and
analiza sus principales características: sistema decimal, egipcio, maya, romano, Inca, griego,
binary, hexadecimal.
3. Why do you think the decimal system is used by the majority of the world's population?
4. What does it mean for a system to be positional?
5. Why were negative numbers not accepted?
6. In the definition of a rational number or fraction, we have seen that we eliminate the denominator 0,
Would you be able to explain why?

7. What irrational numbers do you know? List all the ones you know or look for information about.
them. Tell us about the importance of some of them and any relationship to reality. Note:
The most important ones are the ones with an associated symbol.
8. What is the most important reason why Fibonacci is known? Relate it to the
concept of the golden number or golden ratio.
9. Cuéntanos un chiste matemático en el que se mencionen cualquiera de los conjuntos
Numerical values that make up the REALS (natural numbers, integers, rational numbers, and irrational numbers.)

10. Propose a question related to some aspect of the topic (that caught your attention).
Attention). Document the response (extensively). Propose it in class when instructed.
11. Prepare your notes, outlines, resources, and other materials for the development of points 1 to 10.
12. Create an infographic (physical or digital) that includes the most relevant knowledge.
worked on numbers 1 to 10. (including the "Challenge").