Single Idea 15942

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 3. Nature of Numbers / b. Types of number]

Full Idea

One reason to introduce the rational numbers is that it simplifes the theory of division, since every rational number is divisible by every nonzero rational number, while the analogous statement is false for the natural numbers.

Gist of Idea

Every rational number, unlike every natural number, is divisible by some other number

Source

Shaughan Lavine (Understanding the Infinite [1994], VI.3)

Book Reference

Lavine,Shaughan: 'Understanding the Infinite' [Harvard 1994], p.198


A Reaction

That is, with rations every division operation has an answer.