Shape of Infinity

[grayfalcon89]

Everytime I see number 8, this number reminds me of sign infinity. I wonder among all the numbers exists in world, why was the number 8 created as shape of infinity. Maybe there is no reason but this seems interesting.

[5614]

an infinite something goes on forever in every direction... therefore it cannot have a shape... it extends for ever in every direction.

[grayfalcon89]

[math]\infty[/math]

 

See this shape and turn it in clockwise for 90 degrees. It looks like 8.

[JaKiri]

0 looks the same on its side as it does vertically (ignoring the slightly different dimensions).

 

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9 have definite ends.

 

If we're choosing a number, 8 is the obvious one; it is continuous, ala the symbol for ourobouros.

[5614]

oh, i see, i thought you mean whats the shape of something infinte from just reading the thread title and then not properly reading the 1st post... this is a bad day for me today! (you should see what i've said in other threads!)

 

yes, infinity rotated through 90 degrees is 8, when writting it some people just imagine writing an 8 on its side, rather than thinking of drawing it as a new symbol, i mean, at school teachers often just say 'just write an 8 on its side' to those who havent seen it before.

 

as Jakiri said, its continuous... other than that, one could say why not? or its not an 8 its a whole new symbol!

[MolecularMan14]

I always just assumed that because of the never-ending route, it would be a good interpretation of infinity. I wouldnt think that they would take the #8 into consideration. But you never know

[grayfalcon89]

Just wondered because I thought it could be friends to the following signs:

 

Thanks to [math]\LaTeX[/math] of course!

 

[math]\alpha\\

\beta

\gama

\theta[/math]

 

Theta especially resembles zero and 8.