Infinitesimals

Infinitesimals are quantities that are infinitely small—smaller than any finite amount but not exactly zero. Think of them as an extremely tiny slice of a whole, smaller than any measurable distance, yet still existing within the realm of mathematics. They help mathematicians understand and analyze concepts like slopes and areas with great precision, especially in calculus. Instead of thinking of infinitesimals as actual numbers like 1 or 2, imagine them as a way to represent quantities that are so tiny, they are practically negligible, but still useful for rigorous mathematical reasoning.