Two constructions of the real numbers via alternating series (Q1824647)

The authors use alternating Engel and Sylvester series to generate the real numbers from rationals by associating numbers with formal expansions and then showing that finite expansions, associated with rationals, are dense in the set of all expansions. This is formally similar to obtaining all real numbers as the closure of the set of finite decimal expansions. For alternating series expansions, with emphasis on those of Engel and Sylvester, see the reference listed on pp. 19 and 132 in the reviewer's ``Representations of real numbers by infinite series.'' Lect. Notes Math. 502. Berlin etc.: Springer (1976; Zbl 0322.10002).