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the square root of 2

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blart

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Sep 18, 2005, 7:26:35 PM9/18/05
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So I have a right triangle, sides 1 unit in length,
that makes the hypotenuse sqrt(2) units long, right?

So if the sides are 1mm long, how many decimal places can I calculate
sqrt(2) to, to be PHYSICALLY meaningful?

ditto, if the sides are 1nm long, 1fm long....

cheers


Autymn D. C.

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Sep 19, 2005, 4:07:32 AM9/19/05
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What are you measuring?

blart

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Sep 19, 2005, 9:48:45 PM9/19/05
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The difference between mathematical representation and physical reality ;)

"Autymn D. C." <lysd...@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:1127117252....@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> What are you measuring?
>


PD

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Sep 20, 2005, 2:05:15 AM9/20/05
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blart wrote:
> So I have a right triangle, sides 1 unit in length,
> that makes the hypotenuse sqrt(2) units long, right?
>
> So if the sides are 1mm long, how many decimal places can I calculate
> sqrt(2) to, to be PHYSICALLY meaningful?

Actually, we have no proof that the real number line has any bearing on
any physical dimension. For all we know, the rational numbers might be
as suitable a representation. Heck, the integers might also be a
suitable representation.

blart

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Sep 20, 2005, 9:38:02 PM9/20/05
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Integers may well be better, if you want to count zerps.

"PD" <TheDrap...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1127196315.8...@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...

Autymn D. C.

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Sep 21, 2005, 3:40:47 AM9/21/05
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I'm betting that all lengths are made from the Planck length. So
that's about 32 decimal places, and several more for the factor
conversion. Further "underlengths" are only meaningful as energy going
into fase changes making further particles.

-Aut

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