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When a function f increases without bound we say $f(x)=\infty$. How does this idea relate to, if at all with the infinite sets we study in set theory?

To give a better understanding of why I'm bringing this up let me present and example,

Take $$\lim_{x\to2}f(x)$$ where $$f(x) = \frac{3}{(x-2)}$$ the graph of which is

enter image description here

Now obviously $\lim_{x\to2}f(x)$ does not exist but could we in some context say that $\lim_{x\to2}f(x)$ corresponds to(or is even equal or equivalent to) a set $\mathscr M$ such the |$\mathscr M$| = |$\mathscr{R}$|. In other words, if they are related then how is that and if not, why not? Thanks in advance.

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  • $\begingroup$ Also, math.stackexchange.com/questions/linked/90758 has probably several other relevant threads. The short answer is "no", by the way. $\endgroup$
    – Asaf Karagila ♦
    Aug 13, 2015 at 15:28
  • $\begingroup$ @AsafKaragila Sorry about that I just realized it should have been Beth-1 or the cardinal of the real numbers.Would that be a better question? $\endgroup$
    – Red
    Aug 13, 2015 at 15:31
  • $\begingroup$ It would be the same question. With the same "no" as an answer. And with the same temptation to mark this as a duplicate. $\endgroup$
    – Asaf Karagila ♦
    Aug 13, 2015 at 15:36
  • $\begingroup$ @AsafKaragila Theres no need to mention that twice. Im just trying to satisfy curiosity. It sounds rude. Btw I flagged it a duplicate myself but if you want to also go ahead $\endgroup$
    – Red
    Aug 13, 2015 at 15:44

1 Answer 1

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I would say the relationship is weak at best.

There are two easy ways to append infinite values to the set of reals numbers: affinely, where we append $\{+\infty , -\infty\}$; or projectively, where we append only $\{\infty\}$. Both of these are just the real numbers with extra values that make the space compact, and make some statements a bit nicer. Its essentially a notational convenience for certain kinds of divergence or non real values.

This has barely anything to do with either the concept of cardinality or any particular cardinals. The infinities we append don't relate to the sizes of set, they are just convenient labels for certain function behaviours.

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