Visiting Dictionary.com
The definition(s) of "Theory"
the·o·ry ( P ) Pronunciation Key (th-r, thîr)
n. pl. the·o·ries
1. A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena.
2. The branch of a science or art consisting of its explanatory statements, accepted principles, and methods of analysis, as opposed to practice: a fine musician who had never studied theory.
3. A set of theorems that constitute a systematic view of a branch of mathematics.
4. Abstract reasoning; speculation: a decision based on experience rather than theory.
5. A belief or principle that guides action or assists comprehension or judgment: staked out the house on the theory that criminals usually return to the scene of the crime.
6. An assumption based on limited information or knowledge; a conjecture.
Observing definitions of 4, 6 should be enough to explain what I meant when I said "Theory." 0.9999... remains a "theory" because we could never reach the end of the sequence because it's neverending. Therefore it becomes an "assumption based on limited information or knowledge" (def 6). But since it's repeated, we use the definition defined by (def 4). Now since we have the absolute value "1" which isn't a "theory" but an absolute number and if we compare the two.... you are basically comparing a "theory" to an "number". (ie Apples and Oranges)
Also I wanted to point out that "Theory" although meaning that something have been tested rigorously, still is basically still an "assumption" because there might be a way that we did not see which disproves the "theory". In essense 0.9999... != 1.
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