The Paradox Portal
Mathematical

Cantor's Diagonal Argument

Some infinities are bigger than others

Overview

A proof technique showing the real numbers are uncountably infinite, more numerous than natural numbers.

Assume you can list all real numbers between 0 and 1. Create a new number by making its nth digit different from the nth number's nth digit. This new number isn't on your list, contradicting completeness. Therefore, real numbers are uncountable.

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