real number

American  

[ree-uhl, reel] / ˈri əl, ril /

noun

Mathematics.

1. a rational number or the limit of a sequence of rational numbers, as opposed to a complex number.

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real number British  

noun

1. a number expressible as a limit of rational numbers See number

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real number Scientific  

/ rē′əl /

1. A number that can be written as a terminating or nonterminating decimal; a rational or irrational number. The numbers 2, −12.5, 3/7, and pi (π) are all real numbers.

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Etymology

Origin of real number

First recorded in 1905–10

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

real number

The $124 trillion projected to move across generations between now and 2048 is a real number.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 17, 2026

The real number is higher, as some of the most troubled mortgages are taken out of the MBS pool of loans.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 3, 2026

Youth unemployment officially stands around 15%, though many analysts believe the real number is higher.

From Barron's ● Feb. 15, 2026

As a result the real number of stateless people is hard to gauge in many parts of the world.

From BBC ● Jan. 1, 2026

That means we can make a list of seats, showing a seat's number along with the real number that is sitting in it.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

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