In the realm of mathematics, there are numbers that cannot be expressed as a fraction of integers, they are known as irrational numbers. A classic example of an irrational number is the square root of 2, which is approximately 1.414. Irrational numbers are vital in various scientific fields for their accuracy in representing quantities that cannot be precisely measured or expressed as a whole number or fraction.
Irrational numbers provide greater precision than rational numbers in many situations. For instance, they enable us to define the length of the diagonal of a square more accurately. Historically, the discovery of irrational numbers by the ancient Greeks had a profound impact on mathematics and philosophy, leading to new theories and perspectives on the nature of numbers and the universe.