Image for Surreal numbers

Surreal numbers

Surreal numbers form a vast and flexible number system that includes real numbers, infinite quantities, and infinitesimals. They are constructed systematically by defining numbers through sets of previously created numbers, allowing for a consistent way to compare and operate with both finite and infinite values. Think of surreal numbers as a comprehensive framework that extends our usual understanding of numbers, providing tools to handle concepts like infinitely small or large quantities while maintaining mathematical rigor. They are useful in advanced mathematics, game theory, and theoretical physics for modeling and analysis across a broad spectrum of scales.