On Cantor's First Uncountability Proof, Pick's Theorem, and the Irrationality of the Golden Ratio
О первом доказательстве несчётности Кантора, теореме Пика и иррациональности золотого сечения
2010-01-01
SCID: 54.1/zc8r9ryu
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Cantor's first uncountability proofPick's theoremirrationality of the golden ratiolattice point geometrystandard enumeration of the rationals
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Abstract (AI)
In Cantor's original proof of the uncountability of the reals (not the diagonalization argument), he constructs, given any countable sequence of real numbers, a real number not in the sequence. When we apply this argument to a certain standard enumeration of the rationals, the real number we produce will necessarily be irrational. Using some planar geometry, including Pick's theorem on the number of lattice points enclosed within certain polygonal regions, we show that this number is the reciprocal of the golden ratio, whence follows the well-known fact that the golden ratio is irrational.
Key Findings
1
Applying Cantor’s original uncountability construction to a standard enumeration of the rationals produces a real number outside the enumeration, necessarily irrational.
2
Pick’s theorem connects lattice-point counts in suitable polygonal regions with the irrationality conclusion.
3
The geometric identification provides a proof that the golden ratio is irrational.
4
Using planar geometry and Pick’s theorem, the constructed real number is identified as the reciprocal of the golden ratio.
Research Object
The real number constructed by Cantor's first uncountability proof when applied to a standard enumeration of the rationals
Research Subject
The geometric identification of this constructed number as the reciprocal of the golden ratio, establishing the golden ratio's irrationality
Publication Details
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2010-01-01
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