Number line
The number line (also called real line) is a geometric representation of the real numbers.
Explanation
It shows the whole numbers, negative numbers, rational numbers, irrational numbers, etc. For integers you get
Fractions are rational numbers, and are positioned on this line in between the integers
The square roots √0 = 0, √1, √4 = 2, √9 = 3 etc. are also on this line
The irrational numbers √2, √3 etc. also have their place
The number e is 2.7182… and the number π is 3.1415… and are of course on this line
Infinitely small (Δx→0) has no fixed value and is therefore not locatable on the number line. There is no 'smallest number'. You won't find positive infinity (+ ∞) and negative infinity (− ∞) either, as these are no numbers.
HistoryThe English mathematician John Wallis (1616 - 1703) is seen as the inventor of the number line. |