Question

In the set of real numbers, the first number less than -3 is -4

Answer 1

False, in the set of real numbers there is no "first" number.

Answer 2

Real numbers:
The type of number we normally use, such as 1, 15.82, -0.1, 3/4, etc…

Positive or negative, large or small, whole numbers or decimal numbers are all Real Numbers.

They are called "Real Numbers" because they are not Imaginary Numbers.

Think about:
"What is the first real number after infinity?"

Answer 3

infinity + infinity/infinity? lol

Answer 4

@ehuman please don't bring the idea of infinity into this, since it isn't a number to begin with :)

Answer 5

just trying to paint the picture that when dealing with reals, there is no next, only an additional real.

Answer 6

Then, in my opinion, that is what you should say :)

Answer 7

Thought I covered that well in "Positive or negative, large or small, whole numbers or decimal numbers are all Real Numbers."

The infinity statement was to drive the point home once the theory was well established.
Word pictures play an important role in learning, not all "see" them, not all appreciate them.

Answer 8

I appreciate them, but since the student has left
I'm not so sure about your intended audience.

Answer 9

intended audience is the same student you are referring to, I didn't "see" the word picture indicating they left.

It was just an attempt at a different approach, you never know what will make it "click". But I do value your opinion, I have seen excellent advice come from you.