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What is infinity? |
by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author
It may be hard to believe, but there is actually no such thing as “the biggest number“! Even if you were to think of the very biggest number you know, you could still always add one to it, making a bigger and bigger number each time!
For that reason, scientists and mathematicians talk about an idea called infinity. Infinity isn't a number -- instead, it's a term that describes the idea that numbers can keep on getting bigger and bigger, forever and ever, without stopping!
Infinitely cool!
What's the biggest number that you know? Can you count to ten, or maybe 15? Perhaps you can even count all the way up to 100!
Try and learn one new number every day this week. By the end of the week, you'll know seven new numbers -- wow!
For that reason, scientists and mathematicians talk about an idea called infinity. Infinity isn't a number -- instead, it's a term that describes the idea that numbers can keep on getting bigger and bigger, forever and ever, without stopping!
Infinitely cool!
What's the biggest number that you know? Can you count to ten, or maybe 15? Perhaps you can even count all the way up to 100!
Try and learn one new number every day this week. By the end of the week, you'll know seven new numbers -- wow!
- "finite." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 23 May. 2011. Dictionary.com
- Nebel, Bernard J. Ph.D. “Chapter 11 – Numbers, Units of Measurement, Calculations, and Thinking.” Nebel’s Elementary Education. Maryland: Nebel’s Press for Learning, 2001. 241-243.