Originally Posted By: Bill S.
1. Is infinity a number?

Define "number" that is a rubbish layman generic term that is poorly defined. Use a proper mathematical definition of what type of number system you are talking about. There is nothing different between infinity, zero, irrational, negative and complex numbers depending on what number system you are using they may or may not exist.

NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT INFINITY AT ALL

The question can not be answered because it is poorly worded with no clear selection of numbering system.

Ditto to the definitions in rest of questions.

You keep asking the same stupidly worded questions with generic broad layman terms, if you really want an answer how about you try answering some real questions about definitions and refine the questions

1.) What numbering system does the universe use and why?
2.) Is infinity as used above exactly as defined under the choice of the above numbering system.
3.) Is time being defined as a change in observation or are you using it as some other scalar quantity. Even in physics there are multiple definitions of time including Classical, GR and QM to name but a few. What definition of time are you using in the question.
4.) Finally using your definition of time in 3 define eternity it is not in any way a technical or precise term. Even in layman speak someone can wait an eternity meaning they waited something like an hour.

At the moment it appears you don't really want an answer because you refuse to make the questions more precise. The choices of answer to the above questions are actually more interesting than your questions and in particular number 1.

For reference you are taught in school (REAL NUMBER SYSTEM), the second (COMPLEX NUMBER SYSTEM) is known to Calculus students and Engineers and Scientists worldwide, the other two fields (Quaternions and Octonions) are used by Mathematicians and some Physicists.

You could do worse than start with readings about works with octonions (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octonion). Infinity is really interesting under octonions smile

BASIC PROBLEM SOLVING THEORY 101

quote: "As such, it makes sense to devote as much attention and dedication to problem definition as possible. What usually happens is that as soon as we have a problem to work on we’re so eager to get to solutions that we neglect spending any time refining it."

quote: "Every problem — no matter how apparently simple it may be — comes with a long list of assumptions attached. Many of these assumptions may be inaccurate and could make your problem statement inadequate or even misguided."

Originally Posted By: Jiddu Krishnamurti

“To ask the 'right' question is far more important than to receive the answer. The solution of a problem lies in the understanding of the problem; the answer is not outside the problem, it is in the problem."

Last edited by Orac; 11/26/14 01:53 PM.

I believe in "Evil, Bad, Ungodly fantasy science and maths", so I am undoubtedly wrong to you.