The Real Line

The real line is a way mathematicians visualize all possible real numbers laid out in a continuous, unbroken sequence. Imagine a infinite, straight line extending in both directions, where every point corresponds to a unique real number like 2.5 or -7. The real line includes rational numbers (fractions) and irrational numbers (like √2), making it a complete set of numbers used to measure quantities, define functions, and model continuous phenomena. It forms the foundation for much of calculus and mathematical analysis, representing a seamless spectrum of values without gaps.