TASK B

1. Contemplate the questions in the next paragraph for a few minutes before
you continue with the rest of the activity. Then return to these questions at
the end. The number 3 is the smallest whole number that greater than 2. But
is there a smallest decimal that is greater than 2? If so, what is it? If not, why
not?
Since there is an infinite number of decimals between 2 and
3, there could not be one decimal that is the smallest
decimal greater than 2.
2. Work with a partner and take turns listing decimals, each of which is greater
than 2 but less than the previous decimal that was listed. For example, if you
list 2.3, your partner could list 2.2, and then you could list 2.1. You and your
partner should each list at least 6 decimals.
D: 2.9 Me: 2.09 D: 2.08 Me: 2.05 D: 2.025 Me: 2.02
3. Now try to stump you partner. That is, try to find a decimal such that your
partner wont be able to find a decimal that is smaller than yours but is still
greater than 2. Continue taking turns until one of you has stumped the other
or you both agree that neither of you will be able to stump the other.
Me: 2.02 D: 2.00004 Me: 2.00003 D: 2.000001 Me: We agree
that we will not be able to stump each other since we could
continue to find a number that would be less than the
previously given number.
4. Does the following describe a valid decimal?
the number 2 followed by a decimal point and infinitely many zeros and then a 1.

I understand the statement and how it points out that there

would be an infinite number of decimals between the whole
numbers 3 and 4, but I dont see how that can be a valid decimal
if it doesnt really name any one number.