2.1 The Algebraic and Order Properties of R Familiarize yourself with the algebraic properties of R.

Note that since R satises all of the properties of 2.1.1 it is what is called a eld. Note how Theorems 2.1.2 and 2.1.3 are proved using only the properties listed in 2.1.1. Recall what a rational number, and an irrational number is. Take note of the formal introduction of < in R when the order properties of R are considered. For a, b R we can dene a < b if and only if a b P where P denotes the positive real numbers as dened by 2.1.5. Recall the familiar properties of the inequality as discussed in 2.1.8 and 2.1.9. 2.1.9 Theorem. If a R is such that 0 a < for every > 0, then a = 0. Take note of the Arithmetic-Geometric Mean Inequality: 1 ab (a + b) 2 where a, b are positive reals and ab denotes the geometric mean of a, b
1 and 2 (a + b) denotes the arithmetic mean.

Bernoullis Inequality is also quite useful: If x > 1 then (1 + x)n 1 + nx for all n N.