ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Ordered ring

Okay kiddo, let's talk about ordered rings.

First, let's talk about what a ring is. A ring is a special type of mathematical object that has two operations: addition and multiplication. Think of it like a set of numbers that you can add and multiply together.

Now, an ordered ring is a special type of ring where you can put the numbers in order from least to greatest. You know how we put numbers in order when we count? 1, 2, 3, 4, and so on? Well, in an ordered ring, we can do the same thing.

But wait, how do we know which number is bigger or smaller? Well, in an ordered ring, we have a rule that tells us. It's called the "order property." This rule says that if you add or multiply two positive numbers together, you will always get a positive number. And if you add or multiply two negative numbers together, you will also get a positive number.

For example, let's say we have the numbers 2, 4, and -3. We know that 2 and 4 are positive, and -3 is negative. So, according to the order property, 2 times 4 is a positive number (8), and -3 times 2 is a negative number (-6).

So, in an ordered ring, we can put the numbers in order based on whether they are positive or negative, and whether they are bigger or smaller than the other numbers. This can be really useful in all sorts of math problems!