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

Example Sentences

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

From BBC

For instance, scientists have formally identified around 1.1 million insect species, but many researchers estimate the real number is closer to 6 million.

From Science Daily

Participants guessed that 47% of users share false or misleading news stories, even though existing research suggests the real number is about 8.5%.

From Science Daily

"It's horrific to actually see real numbers," she said.

From BBC

It is often difficult to independently verify the real numbers of casualties in such attacks due to access restrictions and the fear of reprisals among witnesses and local media.

From BBC