Infinity Computer and Calculus

Abstract

Traditional computers work with finite numbers. Situations where the usage of infinite or infinitesimal quantities is required are studied mainly theoretically. In this survey talk, a new computational methodology (that is not related to nonstandard analysis) is described. It is based on the principle ‘The part is less than the whole’ applied to all numbers (finite, infinite, and infinitesimal) and to all sets and processes (finite and infinite). It is shown that it becomes possible to write down finite, infinite, and infinitesimal numbers by a finite number of symbols as particular cases of a unique framework. The new methodology allows us to introduce the Infinity Computer working with all these numbers (its simulator is presented during the lecture). The new computational paradigm both gives possibilities to execute computations of a new type and simplifies fields of mathematics where infinity and/or infinitesimals are encountered. Numerous examples of the usage of the introduced computational tools are given during the lecture.