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# Is 0.9999999...=1?

I want to start a discussion on a topic that

Is $$0.\overline{9}$$ is exactly equals to 1 or its is just a approximation?

I posted this problem and many brilliant user report it as wrong .

Now I want to be sure about that $$0$$.$$\overline{9}$$ = $$1$$ or not??

I thought my brilliant friends will help me out.

If any one have any proof in favor or in against can comment below

Thank you.

Note by Yash Dev Lamba
1 year, 5 months ago

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The problem with this issue is that we find it difficult to get out heads around limits of series. Since these can be pretty weird, that is forgiveable!.

Let us assume that the number $$a = 0.\dot{9}$$ exists. Since $$0.999\cdots9$$ (for any finite number of $$9$$s) is less than $$1$$, we can reasonably deduce that $$a \le 1$$.

Suppose now that $$0 < b < 1$$. If we consider the decimal expansion of $$b$$, we will eventually find a number after the decimal point which is less than $$9$$. In other words, we will be able to write $$b < 0.999\cdots9$$, where the number on the right of this inequality has a finite number of $$9$$s after its decimal point. Thus $$b < a$$.

In other words the number $$a$$ is less than or equal to $$1$$, but is greater than any number less than $$1$$. This means that $$a$$ must be equal to $$1$$. In other words, if $$0.\dot{9}$$ exists, it must be equal to $$1$$.

The only problem left is that of accepting that the number $$a$$ exists in the first place. This is a nontrivial issue, and many mathematicians, starting with the ancient Greeks, have had problems with infinite limits. Consider such "paradoxes" as Zeno's paradox or the Achilles and the tortoise paradox.

If we are prepared to accept a mathematical system within which limits exist, then $$0.\dot{9}$$ will both exist and be equal to $$1$$, and $$0.\dot{3}$$ will exist and be equal to $$\tfrac13$$. The existence of such limits is based upon what is called the Completeness Axiom of the Reals; while mathematicians might try to see what can be deduced in the absence of this Axiom, I would think that few disbelieve it.

It is interesting that students find the existence of $$0.\dot{9} = 1$$ harder to accept than they do the existence of $$0.\dot{3} = \tfrac13$$. Accepting that either of these numbers exists involves coping with the idea of an infinite number of entries in a decimal expansion; there is something about the fact that the identity $$0.\dot{9} = 1$$ increases the digit before the decimal point that gets people agitated, while students at a very early age have few problems with $$0.\dot{3} = \tfrac13$$. From a teaching point of view, therefore, observing that $$3 \times 0.\dot{3} \,=\, 0.\dot{9}$$, and therefore that $$0.\dot{9} = 3\times\tfrac13 = 1$$ is an argument which can content most students, at least until they can get to grips with the proper definition of the limit of a series. · 1 year, 5 months ago

(Printer is on) hahaahahah! Just kidding!

You wrote what Otto Brestcher wrote up here in the solution discussion but in a much clearer manner!

Good read! I didn't think of the analogy between Tortoise paradox and $$0.\overline9=1$$.

Can you explain why this happens? Or why mathematicians disagree about this (Is it because most people can't grasp new concepts like the controversy over Cantor's theory)? Does this issue still occur? And why?

while mathematicians might try to see what can be deduced in the absence of this Axiom, I would think that few disbelieve it.

· 1 year, 5 months ago

It is not so much a case of mathematicians disagreeing about it; the Completeness Axiom (i.e. the existence of least upper bounds) is what defines the reals. Mathematicians can, however, be interested in determining how much can be deduced without assuming this Axiom. An increasing bounded sequence converges to its least upper bound; if we drop the Completeness Axiom, then we cannot have limits of any sequences except those which are eventually constant (and for which convergence is obvious). No limits means no calculus, and the whole field of Analysis goes down the tubes. What you are left with is mathematics that can be done within the rationals - Diophantine equations and the like. These are, of course, exceptionally rich fields of study.

It is interesting to note how Analytic Number Theory has found great usefulness of the real number system, and the machinery of analysis of real number, in the service of solving equations and problems about rational numbers.

In a similar manner, logicians are interested in what can be deduced if you remove Proof by Contradiction from your armoury (this is an example of what is called Constructivist Logic). This is important, since computers cannot prove by contradiction, and so results that can be proved without using Proof by Contradiction are essentially those that can be machine-proved · 1 year, 5 months ago

I don't know much about this subject matter (of Completeness Axiom) until recently, so forgive me if I sound ignorant, but is it in any way similar to accepting/rejecting the Axiom of Choice? Because I'm more familiar with that area as compared to Completeness Axiom.

Mathematicians can, however, be interested in determining how much can be deduced without assuming this Axiom.

Can you explain to me why these mathematicians prefer to restrict themselves by not assuming this axiom? Because I don't see the benefit of it at all. Is it because they want to find a more elegant solution to the necessary questions? Or because they think that this Axiom is not rigorous (highly doubt it)? Or something else entirely?

From your entire first paragraph, it sounds to me that what you're saying is that some mathematicians prefer not to use Completeness Axiom simply because of they are merely asserting one's preference, no?

Wait, isn't proof by contradiction super duper important? Why are logicians interested in handicapping themselves by restricting themselves by not using that commonplace method? What's the point of all these? Is there a benefit to this restriction?

The Axiom of Completeness of the reals has nothing to do with the Axiom of Choice, except that they are both Axioms! The Completeness Axiom says that any bounded nonempty set of reals has a least upper bound, something which is not true about rationals. The Axiom of Choice states that it is possible (essentially) to make uncountably many selections at the same time - if I have a collection of sets $$S_x$$, one for each real number $$x$$, the AofC says I can create a function $$f$$ with domain $$\mathbb{R}$$ such that $$f(x) \in S_x$$ for all $$x$$. This Axiom permits transfinite induction (induction on uncountable sets). Much high level mathematics would be impossible without this Axiom. However, it is still an Axiom, in that we have no proof that it is true. Mathematics with and mathematics without the AofC are both perfectly consistent; maybe one day someone will discover a subtle difference between what is possible in both systems which will determine which is true!

Mathematics is the business of investigating what is possible. It can be interesting to investigate what can be deduced if only some properties, or methods of argument, are assumed. That is why mathematicians study groups, for example. There are many cases where a number system is more complex than being just a group, but knowing its group-theoretic properties is nonetheless interesting. Alternatively, Algebraic Number Theorists can be quite happy studying the integers, and do not always need to think about the reals at all ( on the other hand, Analytic Number Theorists have found great value in real number theory in the study of integers).

As I said previously, if you are a computer theorist, you are not that fond of Proof by Contradiction, since your pet machines cannot use it. You are therefore extremely interested in what can be proved without it. Mathematical Logic, without Proof by Contradiction, is perfectly consistent and sensible; the only problem is that there are lots of elementary statements that are true, but cannot be proved, within it. Of course, Godel's Incompleteness Theorem proves that there are true, but unprovable, statements within any sufficiently complex system of logic. The difference is that we don't ever know in general which those statements are, whereas it is easy to find true statements which cannot be proved without Contradiction. · 1 year, 5 months ago

I spent some time last week to read up all these axioms again and to be honest, I don't fully grasp most of them. Maybe due to the extreme lack of exercises in the (only) textbook that I bought. Or that there are so many complicated "consequences" of this Axiom (of Choice), like Zorn's Lemma, Hausdorff's Maximal Principle.

Do you have any good books on Set Theory? Because without sufficient exercises, I will (still) find it hard to grasp these concepts. Same goes for any books that teach The Completeness Axiom, because I don't think wikipedia paints a good picture for newbies to understand it, nor can I find any good YouTube videos for it, and most of the other explanations that I can find appears very handwavy. · 1 year, 4 months ago

The classic text is P.R. Halmos' "Naïve Set Theory", but it is pretty tough-going. · 1 year, 4 months ago

Oh I bookmarked this and I forgot to reply.

Are you referring to this one? Okay! ordered!

Pretty tough-going? Even for you? Well, I guess I can only master this topic in the next decade.

Thanks for the dialog! · 1 year, 4 months ago

That's the one. It should get you started. · 1 year, 4 months ago

Thank you! You're really really helpful!! · 1 year, 4 months ago

I am aware of more elegant proofs for this than the one that follows.

However, I find this version to be easier to grasp for people struggling with the concept.

1) $$\frac{1}{3} = 0.333... = 0.\overline{3}$$

2) $$3 \times \frac{1}{3} = 3 \times 0.333... = 0.999... = 0.\overline{9}$$

However,

3) $$3 \times \frac{1}{3} = \frac{3}{3} = 1$$

From 2) we get: 4) $$3 \times \frac{1}{3} = 0.\overline{9}$$

From 3) we get: 5) $$3 \times \frac{1}{3} = 1$$

If we combine 4) and 5) we get: 6) $$1 = 3 \times \frac{1}{3} = 0.\overline{9}$$

And finally, 6) reduces down to: 7) $$1 = 0.\overline{9}$$

The more elegant proofs are... well... more elegant in the way that they convey the general pattern going on beneath the surface that can then be abstracted to other scenarios, such as the ever-popular $$0.\overline{12}$$. However, those can be hard for people to grasp.

I find that the $$3 \times \frac{1}{3}$$ proof is easier for most people to grasp, in that it opens the door enough for them to realize that there's something really weird going on here.

Which is important. Because, and let's be honest about this, this $$1 = 0.\overline{9}$$ business is really freaking weird. Anything that helps crack the door open to let in the light is a good thing, in my book. :) · 1 year, 5 months ago

$x=0.\overline { 9 } \quad \Rightarrow \quad 10x=9.\overline { 9 } \\ \\ \Rightarrow \quad 10x-x=9.\overline { 9 } -0.\overline { 9 } \\ \\ \Rightarrow \quad 9x=9\quad \Rightarrow \quad x=1$ · 1 year, 5 months ago

There is a wiki about this topic here: is 0.999... = 1? Staff · 1 year, 5 months ago

Yes it is. there are 3 ways:

1/3 = 0.3333333333333333... so multiplying by 3 on both sides we get 1= 0.9999999999999999999.... OR 0.9 can be thought as $$\frac{9}{10^{1}} +\frac {9}{10^{2}} +\frac{9}{10^{3}} ....$$ (infinite GP.) OR x = 0.999999999... 10 x = 9.99999999999.... 9 x = 9.9999999999...-0.999999999999.... = 9 x = 1 · 1 year, 5 months ago

In one solution I wrote, there is an argument about whether 0.99999... equals to 1, and many of this community's respected member point out that it is, when I don't personally believe it is equal. The evaluation of limit in the infinite sum of $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}9(0.1)^n$

shows that it tends to reach 1, but never exact 1. I will keep an eye on respected members for this · 1 year, 5 months ago

It is 1 because the limit of the partial summs is 1. Another way to illustrate this is to think about which Infinitesimals exist in the reals(only 0), because the difference between 1 and the infinite sum obviously is an infinitesimal. · 1 year, 5 months ago

The trick here is that we are limited by our finite nature. We could never actually count up all of those fractions.

However, we can still represent the value of an infinite series numerically - providing that it converges. The value of an infinite series becomes that point of convergence.

I turns out that $$0.\overline{9}$$ is just such a converging series. The value of that series genuinely is $$1$$.

This is why the limit of an infinite series is typically represented with the limit notation rather than with a sigma notation as you have used above. The limit notation more accurately conveys what's going on.

Annoyingly, I can't work out how to express a limit notation in the latex formatting for this site. If anyone else in the comments can help me out, I'd consider it a kindness. :) · 1 year, 5 months ago

concepts like limits at infinity are just conventions... if we are to depend on conventions here is another one: 1-0.99999999999999999.............=epsilon epsilon is a number smaller than any thinkable number, such definition of infinity is that it is larger than any thinkable number... · 1 year, 5 months ago

Interesting how many proofs rely on the concept that 0.3recurring = 1/3. This is only true is 0.9recurring =1. In other words you are proving nothing. 0.3recurring is an approximation to 1/3. · 1 year, 4 months ago

The notion of a mathematical limit is complex. Certainly $$0.33333$$, $$0.33333333333$$, or even $$0.33333...3$$ (with one million $$3$$s after the decimal point), are all approximations to $$\tfrac13$$. The mathematical idea of a limit allows for the possibility of having an infinite number of $$3$$s after the decimal point, and then $$0.\dot{3}$$ is a number different from all the approximations with only a finite number of $$3$$s, and is equal to $$\tfrac13$$.

The decimal number system is like that. All numbers have an infinite decimal expansion, and only very special numbers have decimal expansions which are finite, in that they can end in an infinite number of $$0$$s (like $$0.326 = 0.326000000\ldots$$). Writing down only a finite number of terms after the decimal point gives an approximation to the number. As another example, $$1.414$$ is an approximation to $$\sqrt{2}$$, but that does not take away the fact that $$\sqrt{2}$$ has an exact decimal expression which involves an infinite number of numbers after the decimal point.

Oddly enough, it is precisely the special numbers (which have a finite decimal expansion) which cause people problems, since they are also the numbers which can be written in two different ways, with or without recurring $$9$$s. For example $0.326 \; = \; 0.32599999\ldots \; = \; 0.325\dot{9} \;.$ · 1 year, 4 months ago

This isn't true, $$0.\overline{3} = \frac{1}{3}$$ and it is not an approximation.

Note that the $$\overline{\cdot}$$ means that the 3's repeat forever. In other words, it represents $\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} 3 \times \sum_{k=1}^{n} 10^{-k} =\frac{1}{3}.$ Staff · 1 year, 4 months ago

What you need to ask yourself regarding this topic is which set of numbers are you using? On the real line .9 repeating equals 1. The only way .9 < 1, as your answer to this question would have us believe, is if we were dealing in rational numbers only. The problem with asking this question of the rational numbers is that .9 repeating doesn't exist. Because of the analytical definition of the real line the limit of the sum that is .9 repeating exists and it is one. · 1 year, 5 months ago

bing bang theory depents on thant 1 is infinetely larger the any lim-- 0.9999999999999.... · 1 year, 5 months ago

prove it man · 1 year, 5 months ago

that ı exist... you too... · 1 year, 5 months ago

Comment deleted Feb 07, 2016

there is no offspring between my little brother and me but still ı am older.... · 1 year, 5 months ago

$\frac{9}{10} + \ \frac{ 9}{10^2} + \frac{ 9}{10^3} + \frac{ 9}{10^4} + \ldots = \frac{a}{1-r} = \frac{ \frac{9}{10} } { 1 - \frac{1}{10} } = 1$ · 1 year, 5 months ago