(4) Prove that there is no smallest positive real number.

Advanced Engineering Mathematics
10th Edition
ISBN:9780470458365
Author:Erwin Kreyszig
Publisher:Erwin Kreyszig
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**Problem Statement:**

(4) Prove that there is no smallest positive real number.

**Explanation:**

This statement is asking us to demonstrate why it is impossible to identify a smallest positive real number. The proof involves understanding the properties of real numbers and the concept of limits. Here's a common approach for the proof:

**Proof:**

1. **Assumption**: Assume, for the sake of contradiction, that there is a smallest positive real number, denoted by \( x \).

2. **Contradiction**: Consider the number \( \frac{x}{2} \). This number is positive and clearly less than \( x \) because \( \frac{x}{2} < x \).

3. **Conclusion**: Our assumption that \( x \) is the smallest positive real number leads to a contradiction since we've found a smaller positive real number \( \frac{x}{2} \). Therefore, no smallest positive real number exists. 

This example illustrates the density property of real numbers: between any two real numbers, another real number exists. Thus, no smallest positive real number can exist.
Transcribed Image Text:**Problem Statement:** (4) Prove that there is no smallest positive real number. **Explanation:** This statement is asking us to demonstrate why it is impossible to identify a smallest positive real number. The proof involves understanding the properties of real numbers and the concept of limits. Here's a common approach for the proof: **Proof:** 1. **Assumption**: Assume, for the sake of contradiction, that there is a smallest positive real number, denoted by \( x \). 2. **Contradiction**: Consider the number \( \frac{x}{2} \). This number is positive and clearly less than \( x \) because \( \frac{x}{2} < x \). 3. **Conclusion**: Our assumption that \( x \) is the smallest positive real number leads to a contradiction since we've found a smaller positive real number \( \frac{x}{2} \). Therefore, no smallest positive real number exists. This example illustrates the density property of real numbers: between any two real numbers, another real number exists. Thus, no smallest positive real number can exist.
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