Quote: different types of numbers do not include simpler types; e.g., the positive integers are not the same as the natural numbers

Quotation

One of the mistakes that have delayed the discovery of correct definitions [for different kinds of numbers] is the common idea that each extension of number included the previous sorts as special cases. It was thought that, in dealing with positive and negative integers, the positive integers might be identified with the original signless integers. Again it was thought that a fraction whose denominator is 1 may be identified with the natural number which is its numerator. And the irrational numbers ... were supposed to find their place among rational fractions   Google-1   Google-2

Published before 1923

Related Topics

Topic: integer values and operations (13 items)
Topic: kinds of numbers (24 items)