[*BCM*] tangential math discussion

[David Hammond]

And by defining an odd number as n==2k-1, where k is an integer, and so
forth....

This misses the point, but that's OK, few dare leave the comfort of positive
integers....

Traditionally, For all real numbers, Lim x, as x approaches abs[1], of
1/[abs[x-1]; = Infinity

(sorry for the lack of math symbols in this context....)

and for all complex numbers iY, (Lim i)(lim Y) =def (Lim i)(Lim Y), 
where Lim i (s) = -(Lim Y), where s is in Real U, and Y is defined as a
function of x, as above;

Therefore, infinity is unapproachable from any number system that includes,
or attempts to include, a definition of infinity. (Ref: Godel's
Incompleteness Theorem).

But, counter-intuitively, shouldn't Infinity X Infinity = Infinity Squared?

Can a value be assigned to Infinity - Infinity?

>From the Cosmologist's point of view: "Infinity" is a useful mathematical
shortcut that makes our calculation work better."

>From the poet's point of view: "Infinity?  Go find the Math-avant-garde...We
don't need no stinkin' infinity."

>From the spiritual point of view: "Yeah, fine, wake us up when you've got
something new...."

Infinity is what keeps us from disappearing in a flash of shit-stinking,
asshole-exploding, unfulfilled expectations.  Try putting an equation to
that.  Infinity sucks when you try to use it to prove anything.

Dave Hammond


-----Original Message-----
From: bostoncriticalmass-bounces at bostoncriticalmass.org
[mailto:bostoncriticalmass-bounces at bostoncriticalmass.org] On Behalf Of
Thomas John Vitolo
Sent: Monday, June 19, 2006 7:04 PM
To: Boston Critical Mass; Dimitri Kountourogianni
Subject: Re: [*BCM*] tangential math discussion

A standard definition:

An even number is an integer of the form n==2k, where k is an integer.

For infinity to be even, there would have to exist an integer k such that
n==2k.
 The only possibility for k is infinity, but infinity isn't an integer --
therefore, infinity can't be even.

 - TJV



Quoting Dimitri Kountourogianni <dimitrik at gmail.com>:

> Infinity seems both even and odd to me. Alexander must have
> infinitely many arms. :)
> 
> -Dimitri
> 
> 
> Here's an infinite set: (smallest size of infinity - aleph-0)
> 
> 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ...
> 
> Here's that set divided into two pieces both of the same size:
> 1, 3, 5, 7, 9,  ...
> 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, ...
> 
> Here's one thing taken away from that set and then the result divided
> into two 
> equal pieces:
> 
> 1
> 
> 3, 5, 7, 9,  ...
> 2, 4, 6, 8,  ...
> 
> David Hammond wrote:
> > But it's always positive.. ;-)
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > Dave
> > 
> >  
> > 
> >
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > 
> > *From:* bostoncriticalmass-bounces at bostoncriticalmass.org 
> > [mailto:bostoncriticalmass-bounces at bostoncriticalmass.org] *On
> Behalf Of 
> > *William Lynch
> > *Sent:* Saturday, June 17, 2006 2:49 AM
> > *To:* 'Boston Critical Mass'
> > *Subject:* RE: [*BCM*] Be the change you want to see in the
> world.
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > Infinity is neither even nor odd.
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > -Bill
> > 
> > My two cents
> > 
> >  
> > 
> >  
> >
> 
>  >>--
>  >>
> 
>
>>--------------------------------------------------------------------------
>  >>
>  >>(1)   Alexander the Great was a great general.
>  >>
>  >>(2)   Great generals are forewarned.
>  >>
>  >>(3)   Forewarned is forearmed.
>  >>
>  >>(4)   Four is an even number.
>  >>
>  >>(5)   Four is certainly an odd number of arms for a man to have.
>  >>
>  >>(6)   The only number that is both even and odd is infinity.
>  >>
>  >>
>  >>
>  >>Therefore, Alexander the Great had an infinite number of arms.
> _______________________________________________
> Boston Critical Mass mailing list
> list at bostoncriticalmass.org
> http://bostoncriticalmass.org/list
> To unsubscribe email list-unsubscribe at bostoncriticalmass.org
> 

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