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In some contexts +∞ = –∞ (e.g. tan ½π = tan –½π; these both represent the orientation of a line at a right angle). In other contexts +∞ ≠ –∞ (e.g. log ±0 ≠ log
by jacobolus 4y ago
In some contexts +∞ = –∞ (e.g. tan ½π = tan –½π; these both represent the orientation of a line at a right angle).
In other contexts +∞ ≠ –∞ (e.g. log ±0 ≠ log ±∞; these quantities can be thought of as the two opposite ends of an infinite cylinder)
- SideburnsOfDoom 4y agoWell, in that case the parent must ask themselves: am I doing geometry on an infinite cylinder or not?
- jacobolus 4y agoFor example, when you look at a world map under the Mercator projection and you want to know where the north and south poles should be on the map, the answer is +∞ and –∞, which are not the same.