Real analysis is a branch of mathematics that focuses on the study of real numbers and the functions defined on them. It involves understanding concepts such as limits, continuity, differentiation, and integration. Real analysis provides the foundational framework for calculus and helps in rigorously proving the properties of real-valued functions. In real analysis, mathematicians explore sequences and series, which are essential for understanding convergence and divergence. The field also examines metric spaces and topology, which help in analyzing the behavior of functions in more abstract settings. Overall, real analysis is crucial for advanced studies in mathematics and its applications.