Re: Problems I have with 1.999...=2

step...@xxxxxxxxxx wrote:

> First problem, what do you mean by 1.999... ?
>
> Is it a number? Numbers do not move. They do not "approach"
> anything. Every number has a fixed value that never changes.
>
> If you do not think it is a number, then clearly 1.999... does
> not equal 2.
>
> If you think is is a number, what number do you think it is?
> Remember, if it is a number, it is not approaching anything.
> It is definitely not approaching 2. 2-1.999.... has a value
> that never changes. What do you suppose it is?

[snip]

> 1.999... does not approach anything. It is hopelessly
> superstitious to believe that numbers move. Is 999 approaching
> 1000? If we wait a few years, will 999 be any closer to 1000?
> Why would 1.999... be on the move but not 999?

Nice job! You've written one of the best "get down to
the original poster's level" arguments for this endlessly
repeating sci.math theme that I've ever read in here.
I'm very interested in how Kirby Cook (or anyone else
who thinks 1.999... is not 2) will be able to respond
to your argument, but my guess is they won't. (Won't
respond to your argument, that is, not that they won't
respond to your post.)

Dave L. Renfro

.

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