Transfinite number is the denotation of the size of an infinite collection of objects. Comparison of certain infinite collections suggests that they have different sizes even though they are all infinite. For example, the sets of integers, rational numbers, and real numbers are all infinite; but each is a subset of the next. Ordering the size of sets according to the subset relation results in too many classifications and gives no way of comparing the size of sets involving different elements. Sets of different elements can be compared by pairing them off and seeing which set has leftover elements. If the fractions are listed in a special way, they can be paired off with the integers with no numbers left over from either set. Any infinite set that can be thus paired off with the integers is called countably, or denumerably, infinite. It has been demonstrated that the real numbers cannot be paired off in this way; and so they are called uncountable or nondenumerable and are considered as larger sets. There are still larger sets, such as the set of all functions involving real numbers. The size of infinite sets is indicated by the cardinal numbers symbolized by the Hebrew letter aleph (alef) with subscript. Aleph-null symbolizes the cardinality of any set that can be matched with the integers; aleph-one and aleph-two indicate sets that correspond to the real numbers and functions, respectively. The set of all subsets of a given set has a larger cardinal number than the set itself, resulting in an infinite succession of cardinal numbers of increasing size.

Excerpt from the Encyclopedia Britannica without permission.