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Single Idea 3330

[from 'Metaphysics: the logical approach' by José A. Benardete, in 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 3. Nature of Numbers / b. Types of number ]

Full Idea

The Negative numbers are postulated (magic word) to solve x=5-8, Rationals postulated to solve 2x=3, Irrationals for x-squared=2, and Imaginaries for x-squared=-1. (…and Zero for x=5-5) …and x/0 remains eternally open.

Gist of Idea

Negatives, rationals, irrationals and imaginaries are all postulated to solve baffling equations

Source

José A. Benardete (Metaphysics: the logical approach [1989], Ch.14)

Book Reference

Benardete,José A.: 'Metaphysics: The Logical Approach' [OUP 1989], p.99