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| TRANSCENDENTAL
NUMBER—
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An irrational number which is
non-algebraick. That is, a number which cannot be exprest as a ratio
of two whole numbers (i.e.,
is neither a terminal nor repeating decimal), and which is not the root
of a non-zero polynomial with rational coefficients.
Very few transcendental numbers have been positively identified, the
most prominent of which are π,
the ratio of a circle's circumference to
its diameter (3.1415926535…), and e,
the number for which the function ex
is equivalent to the value of the
derivative for all values of x
(2.7182818284…).
(Despite what the main page of thisse Laminated Metafolio
implies, φ is NOT transcendental; it is algebraic. It CAN BE exprest as
the
root of a non-zero polynomial with rational coefficients.)
Almost all
numbers are transcendental. |
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