I've heard that 0 is mathematically considered a number. Anyone got a proof that 0 is a number?
31 comments
Later on t.w. said he just wanted to find a way to demonstrate that zero is a number because people had been claiming that it is not. However another poster, "untermensche", actually argued throughout the entire thread that zero is not a number.
Zero does not require proof, because it is defined to exist.
hey t.w. I have the proof here.
The different number systems are all constructed by simpler elements and rules. In most, 0 happens to become defined as an element of that set. That is why it's a number in those number systems. Similarly for infinity, though it's usually not defined.take a friggin' math course! I think natural and whole were covered in 1st grade. We were what?--six, seven years old when we learned that zero is a number?
Zero is DEFINED as a number. No "proof" necessary.
Over the centuries the DEFINITION what a number is was more and more expanded. In ancient times, it started with the so-called "natural" numbers, then some indians and mayans added the zero to it, later we got negative numbers, rational numbers, irrational numbers, complex numbers... while the religious ivory tower seriously dismissed the zero by hair-splitting arguments like "how can nothing be something?"
And this gives some insight why religious fundies have a problem with anything but "natural" numbers. Just visit the dreaded conservapedia. These guys are especially wary of complex numbers, and claim regularly that complex numbers don't exist. Their thinking revolves completely around "absolute" "unchanging" values. They want a god who snips his fingers, and creates everything in an instant, forever, unchanging. They think that numbers are something more than just a convention of counting, something "supernatural". Especially complex numbers feel like a sacrilege to these people. (and they simply don't understand them, btw.)
Well, he's quite correct in that mathematics is not a science - you start off with some assumptions and make logical deductions, and whether or not it's actually applicable to the real world is of little concern to mathematicians whereas science employs the scientific method.
"Anyone got a proof that 0 is a number?"
Well, you wouldn't be able to fucking well say what you do - and how - if it wasn't , you know.
Seems the Mayans were more forward -thinking than we imagine, when they were the first to invent & use in their numerical system '0' or Zero: The basis of Binary, thus Digital computers, therefore you being able to spew your derp, and where .
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Alan Turing - the pioneer of Digital Computers; whose later developments resulted in the home PCs we have today - is laughing at you, t.w.(at). And he's dead .
@Tiny Bulcher
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Oh, and to further fuck up t.w.(at):
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@Ellimist
Such was the proto -NGE mindfuck that was "The Prisoner"; but a la "Babylon 5" & "Hannibal", I like storylines/scenarios that you can get your mental teeth into.
But I refuse to have anything to do with the abortion that was the so-called 're-imagining' in recent years; if it wasn't set in Portmeirion - the original 'Village' - then it ISN'T "The Prisoner". [/rant mode off]
Shit, he's on to the fact that we mathematicians just made up zero to fuck with people. /s
On a more serious note it's actually quite disturbing how many people deny basic mathematical notions/theorems like complex numbers, zero, negative numbers, the null set, Cantor's theorems, the convergence of infinite series, the irrationality of pi , etc.
Since numbers are about the amount of things None or Zero is a number.
It's needed, otherwise how would you define 5-5? Not to mention what's the divider between profit and loss, surplus or debt?
Always remember, you dumb fucking fundies. Man created numbers and all the equations that have followed. These are not supernatural manifestations, these are man made tools, this is invention and refinement of same over time.
Confused?
So were we! You can find all of this, and more, on Fundies Say the Darndest Things!
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