# Thread: What is this kind of conceptual thinking called?

1. ## Infinite probability and 0 probability?

Say that the universe will be habitable for n years. Lets assume that there is only one universe and that time runs in one direction.

Case 1: If the probability of birth in one moment in time is about impossible. P ~ 0:

- And n is a number, say 13 billion, the probability of birth during n years ~ 0.
- However if n is unlimited high count, the probability of birth = unlimited high in the same time span.

If the given parameters are true, it is unlimited more probable that n is "infinite high" rather than "infinite - 1".

Case 2: if the probability of birth in one moment of time ~unlimited high. Basically, if birth is inevitable:

- And n is any number, no matter how small, the probability of birth = unlimited high.

If these parameters are true, the probability of birth in one moment is inevitable, n may be any number, even converging to zero.

What is this kind of probability dealing with infinites called? It is fascinating, and I would like to read more about it.

Kind regards,
Marius

2. ## Re: What is this kind of conceptual thinking called?

There is no "infinite number". If the probability of "birth" (of what?) is finite and the same at all time, it is the same at all time. While this statement is trivial, it contradicts your statement in case 1.

What is this kind of probability dealing with infinites called?
Abuse of mathematical concepts, probably without knowledge how to handle them correctly.

3. ## Re: What is this kind of conceptual thinking called?

Dear mfb,

Probability of birth of anyone. I am sorry I did not make this clearer.

And please understand that i did not invent this example. This is something which I encountered in school which I cannot remember the name of.

Basically I struggle to understand what the trouble is. Did I make a typo?

Perhaps you can explain what you mean.

Kind regards,
Marius

4. ## Re: What is this kind of conceptual thinking called?

Your question makes no sense...you should either retype it or think of a different question.

Here is an example: Two different, positive integers a and b are chosen at random. What is the probability that they are relatively prime (e.g. GCF(a,b) = 1)?

5. ## Re: What is this kind of conceptual thinking called?

Ok. I suppose what richard just said is what I was asking initially.

Thanks.M