Surreal Numbers
Surreal numbers are a unique number system that extends the concept of real numbers. They include all real numbers, as well as infinite and infinitesimal values. Surreal numbers are constructed using a recursive process involving sets of numbers, allowing for a rich structure that encompasses both positive and negative infinities.
The creation of surreal numbers was introduced by mathematician John Conway in the 1970s. This system is often visualized through a game-like approach, where each number is defined by the numbers that are less than and greater than it. This innovative framework has applications in various fields, including mathematics and theoretical physics.