On 6/9/11, Steven Schveighoffer <schvei...@yahoo.com> wrote: > On Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:45:49 -0400, Andrej Mitrovic > <andrej.mitrov...@gmail.com> wrote: > >> I never understood why it's called "open" interval. What does it 'open'? > > Look at the terminology section of > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interval_(mathematics) > > No clue as to the "why" :) > > -Steve >
The why is what I'm after. Let me take a look at some definitions of "open" from thefreedictionary (excluding the definitions under the math section): "Carried on in full view" "Spread out; unfolded" "Accessible to all" "Lacking effective regulation" It seems more natural to me to think of open as something that encompasses a larger scope. E.g. when you spread your arms you have a larger area between your hands, not smaller.