MadSci Network: Physics |
1/3 is indeed stated as 0.333333 recurring, 0.33..x3 however = 1, assuming that the 0.33.. is multiplied to an infinite number of decimal places. the result 0.33...x3 = 0.999.. occurs only when the recurring fraction is rounded up, giving an error in the number, and an incorrect result. ******************************************************************* time - see explaination below. ******************************************************************* after 1 second the man has travelled 10m, the bullet has travelled 100m, to the original position of the man, however the man is now 10m ahead from his initial position. after 1.2 seconds the man has travelled 12 m, the bullet has travelled 120m, and has already passed through him. By examining the situation as you have described: after 1.1 seconds the man has travelled 11m, the bullet had travelled 110m, however the man is now 1m ahead of his previous position. after 1.11 seconds the man has travelled 11.1m, the bullet had travelled 111m, however the man is now 0.1m ahead of his previous position. By examining the problem in this way you are incrementing the period of time by decreasing amounts (1->0.1->0.01->0.001...etc) such that the situation tends towards the bullet hitting the man, an event that occurs between 1.1 and 1.2 seconds, but by decreasing the increment of time with each step you never actually reach this point. The paradox is just a result of the manner in which you are examining the situation - in all reality there is no paradox, the bullet hits the man between 1.1 and 1.2 seconds. ******************************************************************* take a look @ this site and this other site.
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