Go back
All numbers are interesting.

All numbers are interesting.

Posers and Puzzles

3

Joined
06 Apr 08
Moves
1871
Clock
22 Apr 08
Vote Up
Vote Down

Originally posted by Nemesio
I recently read about an interesting proof (I think it was in Contact by Carl Sagan, a much better
book than the film). It posits that all numbers are interesting through a proof by contradiction. It
goes as follows:

1) Given, there are a set of uninteresting numbers.
2) Within the range of these numbers, there exists one such number which is lower t ...[text shortened]... e studied.

Nemesio

For reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interesting_number_paradox
# 2.) is already wrong ... what if the set of uninteresting numbers is not bounded (below) e.g. has no infinum... (think of integers)....

g

Joined
15 Feb 07
Moves
667
Clock
22 Apr 08
Vote Up
Vote Down

The paradox of this proof is dependent on the definition of "interesting numbers" including the lowest uninteresting number.

If the lowest uninteresting number is simply not interesting to you, then the proof falls apart.

(Example: if no number is "interesting"..)

Cookies help us deliver our Services. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn More.