# Intuition for a proof that the rationals are incomplete. [duplicate]

Let A be a set of positive rationals $p$ such that $p^2<2$. Now this set contains no upper bound. To prove this, for every rational $p$, a number $p- \frac{p^2-2}{p+2}$ is associated. This number (let's call it $q$) is greater than $p$. Also, it can be proved that $q^2<2$. Now the proof is complete.

I don't know if this is the only proof of this theorem but anyway how could one come up with that number to be associated with $p$. I am interested in the thought process behind.

## marked as duplicate by Cameron Buie, pjs36, Claude Leibovici, user147263, Alex M.Oct 14 '15 at 6:42

• math.stackexchange.com/questions/14970/… – Bungo Oct 14 '15 at 2:21
• – Bungo Oct 14 '15 at 2:23
• What's your question. – fleablood Oct 14 '15 at 2:28
• @Bungo's first link is really quite a good find for this exact question. – pjs36 Oct 14 '15 at 2:34

First prove $\sqrt{2} \notin \mathbb{Q}$ then let $T:=\{p \in \mathbb{Q} : p^2<2\}$
Then prove that $\sup T = \sqrt{2}$ .Finally $\sup T \notin \mathbb{Q}$
$\mathbb{Q}$ is not complete.
• I think their main question is about the number being called $q$. – pjs36 Oct 14 '15 at 2:23