Book Description: What is Number? Кириллов А. А. 1993 Pages: [Number] Физматлит 5-02-014942-3 Synopsis: In this thought-provoking book, [Your Name] delves into the intricacies of modern mathematics and its application in physics and computer science, exploring the concept of number and its evolution over time. As a professional and competent writer, you will embark on a journey through the realms of padic and nonstandard analysis, discovering the wonders of quaternions and Cayley numbers, and venturing into the territory of von Neumann algebras and supermathematics. This extended lecture, originally delivered at the prestigious Moscow Mathematical Society, is designed for undergraduate, graduate, and academic students seeking to deepen their understanding of the interconnectedness of mathematics and its practical applications. Chapter 1: The Evolution of Number The story begins with an examination of the historical development of number concepts, tracing the progression from ancient civilizations to modern times. You will learn how the definition of number has evolved, adapting to new mathematical theories and technological advancements. This chapter sets the stage for the adventure ahead, providing a solid foundation for the reader to grasp the significance of these innovative ideas. Chapter 2: Padic Numbers - A New Perspective In this chapter, you will be introduced to p-adic numbers, a novel approach to arithmetic that challenges traditional notions of number systems.

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