Measure theory is a branch of mathematics that deals with the systematic way of assigning a numerical "size" or "measure" to subsets of a given space. It provides a foundational framework for many areas of mathematics, particularly in integration, probability theory, and functional analysis.
Mathematical integration is the process of finding the integral of a function, which can be understood in various contexts. Here are a few definitions and perspectives on integration: 1. **Antiderivative Definition**: Integration can be thought of as the reverse process of differentiation.
\( L^p \) spaces are a fundamental concept in functional analysis and measure theory. They are spaces of measurable functions for which the \( p \)-th power of the absolute value is Lebesgue integrable. The notation \( L^p \) indicates a space of functions, defined with respect to a measure space, and is characterized by an integral norm that corresponds to the value of \( p \).
Measure theory is a branch of mathematics that studies measures, which are a systematic way to assign a size or a value to subsets of a given set. It provides the foundational framework for understanding concepts such as length, area, volume, and probability in a rigorous mathematical manner. Here are some key concepts in measure theory: 1. **Set and Sigma-Algebra**: - A **set** is a collection of elements.
In the context of set theory and mathematical analysis, a **measure** is a systematic way to assign a number to describe the size or volume of a set. It generalizes notions of length, area, and volume, and plays a fundamental role in various areas of mathematics, particularly in integration, probability theory, and real analysis.
Probability theory is a branch of mathematics that deals with the analysis and quantification of uncertainty. It provides the framework for modeling random events and phenomena, allowing one to calculate the likelihood of different outcomes. Here are some key concepts and components of probability theory: 1. **Random Experiment**: An experiment or process that leads to one or more outcomes, where the result cannot be predicted with certainty. For example, tossing a coin or rolling a die.
In measure theory, which is a branch of mathematics concerned with the study of measures, integration, and related concepts, several fundamental theorems establish important results about measures, integration, and measurable functions. Here are some key theorems in measure theory: 1. **Lebesgue Dominated Convergence Theorem**: This theorem provides conditions under which one can interchange the limit and the integral.
Absolute continuity is a concept from real analysis that extends the idea of continuity and provides a stronger form of integration. A function \( f \) defined on an interval \([a, b]\) is said to be absolutely continuous if it satisfies the following criteria: 1. **Existence of a Derivative**: For almost every point \( x \in [a, b] \), the function \( f \) has a derivative \( f'(x) \).
An **Abstract Wiener space** is a mathematical framework used in the study of stochastic processes and has applications in probability theory and functional analysis. It is a generalization of the concept of a Wiener space (or Brownian motion space) and provides a rigorous foundation for the analysis of Gaussian measures on infinite-dimensional spaces. An Abstract Wiener space consists of three main components: 1. **Hilbert Space**: A separable Hilbert space \( H \) serves as the underlying space.
The term "almost everywhere" is a concept used in mathematics, particularly in measure theory and related fields, to describe a property that holds true for all points in a space except for a set of measure zero. In more formal terms, within a given measurable space, a property P is said to hold "almost everywhere" if the set of points where P does not hold has measure zero.
In measure theory, an **atom** is a specific type of measurable set associated with a measure. An atom is a measurable set that contains "mass" in the sense that it cannot be subdivided into smaller measurable sets with lower measure.
Aubin–Lions lemma is a result in the field of functional analysis, particularly in the study of the convergence of sequences of functions, and is often used in the context of nonlinear partial differential equations. The lemma provides conditions under which compactness can be guaranteed for a sequence of functions in certain function spaces. More specifically, it deals with the convergence properties of families of bounded sets in reflexive Banach spaces.
"Ba space" is often associated with the concept of "Ba," which is a Japanese term used in knowledge management and organizational theory. It represents a shared context or space where individuals can create knowledge together. The term was popularized by Ikujiro Nonaka and Hirotaka Takeuchi in their work on knowledge creation and organizational learning. Ba is considered an important element in facilitating interactions and relationships among people, allowing for the flow and creation of knowledge.
A Baire set is a concept from descriptive set theory, a branch of mathematical logic dealing with different levels of complexity in sets of real numbers or points in topological spaces. In the context of a Polish space, which is a separable completely metrizable topological space, Baire sets can be defined in relation to the constructible hierarchy of sets.
Borel isomorphism is a concept in the field of descriptive set theory, which is a branch of mathematical logic and set theory that deals with the study of certain classes of sets in Polish spaces (complete separable metric spaces).
The Brezis–Lieb lemma is a result in functional analysis, particularly in the context of convergence in Lebesgue spaces and weak convergence. It deals with the relationship between strong and weak convergence of sequences of functions and plays a significant role in the theory of optimization and variational problems.
The Cantor set is a classic example of a set that is uncountably infinite, has zero measure, and exhibits some counterintuitive properties in terms of size and density. It is constructed through an iterative process starting with the closed interval \([0, 1]\). Here’s how the construction works: 1. **Start with the interval**: Begin with the closed interval \([0, 1]\).
Carathéodory's criterion is a theorem related to the characterization of measurable sets in the context of measure theory. Specifically, it provides a way to determine whether a set is Lebesgue measurable.
The Cartan–Hadamard conjecture is a statement in differential geometry regarding the behavior of geodesics on Riemannian manifolds. Specifically, it deals with the topology of simply connected, complete Riemannian manifolds with non-positive sectional curvature. The conjecture asserts that if a Riemannian manifold \( M \) is simply connected and complete, and if its sectional curvature is non-positive throughout, then the manifold is contractible.
Clarkson's inequalities are a set of mathematical inequalities that relate to norms in functional spaces, particularly in the context of \( L^p \) spaces. They describe how the \( L^p \) norm of sums of functions behaves in relation to the norms of the individual functions.
The Coarea formula is an important result in differential geometry and geometric measure theory. It relates integrals over a manifold to integrals over the level sets of a smooth function defined on that manifold. Specifically, it provides a way to express the volume of the preimage of a set under a smooth function, in terms of integrations over its level sets.
Concentration of measure is a phenomenon in probability theory and statistics that describes how, in high-dimensional spaces, random variables that are distributed according to certain types of probability distributions tend to become increasingly concentrated around their expected values, with very little probability mass in the tails. In simpler terms, it suggests that as the dimension of a space increases, the measure (or "size") of sets that are far from the mean becomes very small compared to the measure of sets that are close to the mean.
In mathematics, the term "continuity set" can refer to different concepts depending on the context in which it is used, but it is most commonly associated with the study of functions and their properties in analysis, particularly in the context of measure theory and topology. 1. **In the context of functions and topology**: A continuity set often refers to sets where a function is continuous.
The term "Conull" typically relates to the concept of "null sets" in measure theory. A "conull set" is defined in the context of a measure space and refers to a set that is the complement of a null set. More specifically: - A **null set** (or measure zero set) is a set that has Lebesgue measure zero.
Convergence in measure is a concept from measure theory, which is a branch of mathematics dealing with the formalization of notions like size, length, and area. It is particularly important in the study of sequences of measurable functions.
Convergence of measures is a concept in measure theory, a branch of mathematics that deals with the study of measures, integration, and probability. Specifically, it addresses how sequences of measures behave as they converge to a limit.
Curvature of a measure is a concept that arises in the context of geometry, probability theory, and functional analysis, specifically within the study of measures on a space. It can often refer to concepts such as the "curvature" associated with the geometric properties of measures or distributions in a given space.
In the context of probability theory and measure theory, a **cylinder set** is a type of set used in the study of stochastic processes and infinite-dimensional spaces, particularly in relation to random variables and their distributions. ### Definition A cylinder set can be defined with respect to an indexed family of random variables or a stochastic process.
In measure theory and probability, a distribution function (sometimes called a cumulative distribution function, or CDF) is a function that describes the probability distribution of a random variable.
In measure theory, "equivalence" can refer to several different but related concepts, depending on the context. Below are a few common interpretations: 1. **Equivalent Measures**: Two measures \(\mu\) and \(\nu\) defined on the same \(\sigma\)-algebra are said to be equivalent if they "give the same result" in the sense that they assign the same sets measure zero.
The concepts of essential infimum and essential supremum are used in measure theory and functional analysis to extend the idea of infimum and supremum in a way that accounts for sets that may have measure zero. These concepts are particularly useful when dealing with functions that may have discontinuities or singularities on sets of measure zero.
The term "Essential range" can have different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here are a few possible interpretations: 1. **Mathematics/Statistics**: In some mathematical contexts, the "essential range" refers to the set of values that a function can take in a significant way, often related to measure theory or functional analysis.
Euler measure, often referred to in the context of differential geometry and topology, is a mathematical concept that generalizes the classical notion of volume and is particularly useful in the study of fractals and geometric shapes. In topology, one can encounter the notion of the Euler characteristic, which is a topological invariant that provides valuable information about a space's shape or structure.
Finite-dimensional distributions are a fundamental concept in probability theory and statistics, particularly in the study of stochastic processes and random variables. In essence, a finite-dimensional distribution refers to the joint distribution of a finite number of random variables. For example, if \(X_1, X_2, \dots, X_n\) are random variables, the finite-dimensional distribution is concerned with the distribution of the vector \((X_1, X_2, \ldots, X_n)\).
Fuzzy measure theory is an area of mathematics that extends traditional measure theory to handle situations where uncertainty or imprecision is inherent. It provides a framework for quantifying and managing fuzzy quantities or vague concepts, which are not easily captured by classical precise measures. ### Key Concepts 1. **Fuzzy Sets**: At the core of fuzzy measure theory is the concept of fuzzy sets, which are collections of elements with varying degrees of membership, as opposed to the binary membership of classical sets.
Hanner's inequalities are a set of mathematical results related to the properties of certain convex functions and are often associated with inequalities involving integrals and expectations. They are particularly useful in areas like probability theory and functional analysis. Hanner's inequalities specifically refer to inequalities concerning the integral of the supremum of the sum of random variables or functions compared to the sum of the integrals of those functions.
Hausdorff density is a concept used in measure theory and geometric measure theory, particularly in the study of sets in Euclidean space or more general metric spaces. It offers a way to evaluate the "size" of a set, particularly when classical notions of measure (like Lebesgue measure) may not apply or are insufficient.
The Hausdorff Paradox is a result in set theory and topology that deals with the properties of certain sets in higher-dimensional spaces. It is named after the German mathematician Felix Hausdorff, who discovered it in the early 20th century. The paradox arises when considering the concept of "measuring" sets in Euclidean space. Specifically, it illustrates the existence of a paradoxical decomposition of sets, particularly in the context of infinite sets and measures.
Homological integration is a concept that arises in the context of algebraic topology and homological algebra, often dealing with the integration of differential forms on manifolds or in algebraic contexts. The term might not refer to a singular, well-defined concept across mathematics, as it can encompass different ideas depending on the context in which it is used.
The indicator function, also known as the characteristic function, is a mathematical function used to indicate membership of an element in a set. It is defined for a given set and takes values of either 0 or 1.
Infinite-dimensional Lebesgue measure refers to a generalization of the classic Lebesgue measure used in finite-dimensional spaces to an infinite-dimensional setting, such as function spaces or certain types of spaces encountered in functional analysis. ### Key Concepts 1. **Lebesgue Measure in Finite Dimensions**: In \( \mathbb{R}^n \), the Lebesgue measure assigns a notion of "volume" to measurable subsets.
In measure theory, intensity often refers to a concept related to the distribution of a measure over a set or space. More specifically, intensity can be used in the context of point processes and stochastic processes, where it describes the density of points or events per unit space.
Klee's measure problem is a question in computational geometry, specifically concerning the computation of the volume (or measure) of a union of axis-aligned rectangles in a high-dimensional space. The problem can be succinctly stated as follows: Given a set of \( n \) axis-aligned rectangular boxes in \( d \)-dimensional space, the goal is to compute the measure (or volume) of the union of these rectangles.
The Laplacian is a differential operator given by the divergence of the gradient of a function.
Lebesgue integration is a mathematical concept that extends the notion of integration beyond the traditional Riemann integral. It is a fundamental tool in real analysis and measure theory, named after the French mathematician Henri Léon Lebesgue. ### Key Concepts of Lebesgue Integration: 1. **Measure Theory**: At the core of Lebesgue integration is measure theory, which provides a rigorous way to define "size" or "measure" of sets.
Lifting theory is a concept in mathematics, particularly in the fields of algebra, functional analysis, and topology. It is often associated with the study of various structures, such as sets of functions, groups, or algebraic objects, where one seeks to "lift" properties or structures from a base space to a total space under certain conditions or mappings.
Littlewood's three principles of real analysis, proposed by mathematician J.E. Littlewood, are informal but powerful heuristics that can guide the understanding and analysis of real functions and sequences. Though they are not formal theorems, they serve as useful guidelines for approaching problems in real analysis.
A **locally integrable function** is a function defined on a measurable space (often \(\mathbb{R}^n\) or a subset thereof) that is integrable within every compact subset of its domain.
A Loeb space is a mathematical construct that arises in nonstandard analysis, a branch of mathematics that extends the traditional framework of mathematical analysis. Specifically, Loeb spaces are used in the context of integrating functions and dealing with nonstandard measures. The concept is named after the mathematician Daniel Loeb, who introduced a method for constructing a "Loeb measure" using ultrafilters.
In functional analysis, an \( L^p \) space (or Lebesgue \( p \)-space) is a vector space of measurable functions for which the \( p \)-th power of the absolute value is integrable.
The Luzin \( N \) property is a concept from real analysis and functional analysis, particularly in the context of measurable functions. A function \( f: \mathbb{R} \to \mathbb{R} \) is said to have the Luzin \( N \) property if for every measurable set \( E \) of finite measure, the image \( f(E) \) is also a measurable set of finite measure.
Malliavin's absolute continuity lemma is a result in stochastic calculus, specifically in the context of the Malliavin calculus, which is a mathematical framework for analyzing the differentiability of functionals of stochastic processes. The lemma deals with the absolute continuity of probability measures on Banach spaces concerning the Malliavin derivative.
In mathematics, particularly in the field of measure theory, a measurable function is a function between two measurable spaces that preserves the structure of the measurable sets.
In the fields of mathematics, particularly in measure theory and probability theory, a **measurable space** is a fundamental concept used for defining and analyzing the notion of "measurable sets." A measurable space is defined as a pair \((X, \mathcal{F})\), where: 1. **\(X\)** is a set, which can be any collection of elements.
In mathematics, particularly in measure theory, a "measure" is a systematic way to assign a numerical value to subsets of a given space, which intuitively can be interpreted as the size, length, area, or volume of those subsets. Measures generalize concepts like length (in one dimension), area (in two dimensions), and volume (in three dimensions) to more complex spaces and structures.
Measure algebra is a mathematical framework that combines the concepts of measure theory and algebraic structures, particularly in the context of examining functions and sets with a focus on their measure and integration properties. It deals with measurable spaces, which are foundational in probability theory, statistics, and real analysis. Here’s an overview of its key components and ideas: 1. **Measure Theory**: At its core, measure theory studies ways to assign a size or measure to sets in a systematic way.
A **measure space** is a fundamental concept in measure theory, which is a branch of mathematics that deals with the study of size, length, area, and volume in a rigorous way. A measure space provides a framework for quantifying the "size" of sets, particularly in the context of integration and probability theory.
The Minkowski inequality is a fundamental result in the field of mathematics, specifically in the areas of functional analysis and vector spaces. It is often referred to in the context of \( L^p \) spaces, which are function spaces defined using integrable functions. The Minkowski inequality provides a means of determining the "distance" or "size" of vectors or functions in these spaces.
In the context of measure theory and functional analysis, a Nikodym set refers to a specific type of set that is associated with Radon measures. It is linked to the concept of the Radon-Nikodym theorem, which provides conditions under which a measure can be represented as the integral of a function with respect to another measure.
In set theory and measure theory, a non-measurable set is a subset of a given space (typically, the real numbers) that cannot be assigned a Lebesgue measure in a consistent way. The concept of measurability is crucial in mathematics, particularly in analysis and probability theory, as it allows for the generalization of notions like length, area, and volume. The existence of non-measurable sets is typically demonstrated using the Axiom of Choice.
A null set, also known as an empty set, is a fundamental concept in set theory. It is defined as a set that contains no elements. The null set is typically denoted by the symbol ∅ or by using curly braces, such as {}. Some key points about the null set include: 1. **Unique Set**: There is only one null set, which is unique, meaning that any two null sets are considered to be the same set.
A planar lamina refers to a two-dimensional (flat) object or shape that has a defined area but negligible thickness. In mathematics and physics, a lamina is often considered in the context of analyzing properties such as mass, area, and density distribution. Key characteristics of a planar lamina include: 1. **Two-Dimensional**: It exists in a plane, typically defined by Cartesian coordinates (x, y) or polar coordinates (radius, angle).
Pointwise convergence is a concept used in mathematical analysis, particularly in the study of sequences of functions.
The terms "positive sets" and "negative sets" can refer to different concepts depending on the context in which they are used. Here are a few interpretations across various fields: 1. **Mathematics and Set Theory**: - **Positive Set**: In some contexts, this might refer to a set of positive numbers (e.g., {1, 2, 3, ...} or the set of all natural numbers).
A progressively measurable process refers to a systematic approach or system where progress can be tracked and measured over time. This concept is often applied in various fields such as project management, education, business operations, and performance assessment. Key characteristics of a progressively measurable process include: 1. **Clear Objectives**: Establishing specific, measurable goals that provide direction for what is to be accomplished. 2. **Metrics and Indicators**: Defining quantifiable metrics or indicators that can assess progress towards the defined objectives.
In measure theory, the concept of a projection generally refers to a mathematical operation that reduces dimensionality or extracts particular components from a measurable space, often in the context of product spaces. While "projection" can have different meanings in various contexts within mathematics, in measure theory it is particularly relevant when dealing with measurable spaces, measurable functions, and product measures. ### 1.
A Radonifying function is a type of function defined in the context of functional analysis and measure theory, especially relating to the study of measures, integration, and probability.
In mathematical analysis and geometry, a **rectifiable set** refers to a set in Euclidean space (or a more general metric space) that can be approximated in terms of its length, area, or volume in a well-defined way. The concept is closely associated with the idea of measuring the "size" of a set in terms of lower-dimensional measures.
Regular conditional probability is a concept in probability theory that extends the idea of conditional probability to situations where the conditioning event is not necessarily a single event but can be a more complex structure, such as a σ-algebra or a measurable space.
The Ruziewicz problem, named after the Polish mathematician Władysław Ruziewicz, concerns the existence of a certain type of topological space known as a "sufficiently large" space that can be mapped onto a simpler space in a specific way. More precisely, the problem addresses whether every compact metric space can be continuously mapped onto the Hilbert cube.
In mathematics, a set-theoretic limit is a concept used in the context of sequences of sets, particularly in topology and analysis. It provides a way to describe the behavior of a sequence of sets as the index approaches infinity.
The term "set function" can refer to different concepts depending on the context, particularly in mathematics, computer science, and programming. Here are a few interpretations: 1. **Mathematical Set Function**: In mathematics, particularly in set theory and measure theory, a set function is a function defined on a collection of sets (often a σ-algebra) that assigns a value (typically a number) to each set.
The Sierpiński set typically refers to a specific type of fractal set known as the Sierpiński triangle (or Sierpiński gasket) or the Sierpiński carpet. Both are examples of Sierpiński sets, which are created by recursively removing triangles or squares, respectively, from a larger shape. ### Sierpiński Triangle 1. **Construction**: Start with an equilateral triangle.
A sigma-additive set function, often referred to in the context of measure theory, is a type of function defined on a σ-algebra (sigma-algebra) of subsets of a given set. This function satisfies a specific property related to countable additivity, which is a fundamental concept in measure theory. **Definition:** Let \( \mu \) be a set function defined on a σ-algebra \( \mathcal{F} \) of subsets of a set \( X \).
In mathematics, a simple function is typically defined as a function that can be expressed as a finite sum of simple components. The most common context where "simple function" is used is in measure theory, where a simple function is a measurable function that takes only a finite number of values. ### Characteristics of Simple Functions: 1. **Finite Range**: A simple function only assumes a finite set of values. For instance, the function can take values \( c_1, c_2, ...
The Smith–Volterra–Cantor set is a well-known example in mathematics, specifically in measure theory and topology, that illustrates interesting properties related to sets that are both uncountable and of measure zero. It is constructed using a process similar to creating the Cantor set, but with some modifications that make it a distinct entity.
The Solovay model is a concept in set theory and mathematical logic that relates to the study of the foundations of mathematics, particularly in the context of the Axiom of Choice and related principles. It is named after the mathematician Robert Solovay, who developed it in the 1960s. The Solovay model provides an example of a model of set theory in which certain properties related to cardinalities and the Axiom of Choice hold or fail.
A **Standard Borel space** is a concept from measure theory and descriptive set theory that refers to specific types of spaces that have well-behaved properties for the purposes of measure and integration. Here is a more detailed explanation: 1. **Borel Spaces**: A Borel space is a set equipped with a σ-algebra generated by open sets (in a topological sense).
A standard probability space is a mathematical framework used to model random experiments. It consists of three key components: 1. **Sample Space (Ω)**: This is the set of all possible outcomes of a random experiment. Each individual outcome is called a sample point. For example, if the experiment involves rolling a die, the sample space would be \(Ω = \{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6\}\).
A **strong measure zero set** is a concept from measure theory, particularly in the context of Lebesgue measure on the real line (or in higher dimensions).
The Sugeno integral is a mathematical construct used in decision-making and fuzzy measures, particularly in the fields of fuzzy set theory and multi-criteria decision analysis. It is named after the Japanese mathematician Michio Sugeno. Unlike traditional integrals that are based on Lebesgue or Riemann measures, the Sugeno integral is a type of non-additive measure, which means it does not simply sum contributions linearly.
In measure theory, the concept of "support" is used to describe the subset of a space where a measure (or a function) is "concentrated" or has significant values.
Symmetric decreasing rearrangement is a mathematical concept used primarily in the field of analysis, particularly in the study of functions and measures. It is a technique that involves rearranging a sequence or a measurable function in such a way that the new arrangement is symmetric and non-increasing (i.e., it decreases or stays constant).
Talagrand's concentration inequality is a powerful result in probability theory, particularly within the context of product spaces and processes defined on them. It provides bounds on how much a random variable can deviate from its expected value, typically in the setting of high-dimensional probability spaces, such as those arising in combinatorial settings, Gaussian spaces, or other structures that exhibit a certain level of independence or concentration of measure.
In measure theory, the concept of "tightness of measures" refers to a property of a sequence or family of measures in a given measurable space. It is often used in the context of probability measures, but the concept can be applied more broadly.
Vague topology is a concept in the field of mathematics that deals with the formalization of vague or imprecise notions of openness, continuity, and convergence. It is particularly useful in areas like fuzzy set theory and semantic analysis, where the traditional binary concepts of true/false, open/closed may not adequately capture the nuances of certain kinds of data or relationships. In vague topology, traditional topological notions are extended to allow for degrees of membership rather than strict membership.
In the context of measure theory, a valuation is a function that assigns a numerical value to certain subsets of a given set, typically yielding meaningful properties regarding size or volume.
A Varifold is a mathematical concept used in differential geometry and geometric measure theory. It generalizes the notion of a manifold by allowing for more flexibility in the way that "sheets" of the object can intersect and overlap. Varifolds are typically used to study objects that may not have a well-defined smooth structure everywhere, such as irregular shapes, and they are particularly useful for analyzing geometric issues in a more robust way than traditional manifolds.
The Vitali covering lemma is an important result in measure theory, particularly in the context of studying the properties of measurable sets and their coverings. It provides a way to extract a "nice" collection of sets from a given collection of sets that cover a certain measure.
A Vitali set is a specific type of set in the field of measure theory and real analysis that demonstrates the existence of sets that are "non-measurable" with respect to the Lebesgue measure. The concept of a Vitali set arises from an application of the Axiom of Choice.
Volterra's function, also known as the Volterra function or the Volterra series, refers to a specific example of a continuous but nowhere differentiable function. Often attributed to the Italian mathematician Vito Volterra, this function illustrates that continuity does not imply differentiability, serving as a classic counterexample in real analysis.
A volume element is a differential quantity used in mathematics and physics, typically in the context of calculus and geometric analysis. It represents an infinitesimally small portion of space, allowing for the integration and measurement of quantities over three-dimensional regions.
The Weierstrass function is a famous example of a function that is continuous everywhere but differentiable nowhere. It was introduced by Karl Weierstrass in the 19th century and serves as a key example in analysis and the study of pathological functions. The Weierstrass function demonstrates that continuity does not imply differentiability, challenging intuitive notions about smooth functions.
In measure theory, \( \tau \)-additivity (or just \( \tau \)-additivity) refers to a generalization of the concept of countable additivity for measures.

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Measure theory by Ciro Santilli 37 Updated +Created
Main motivation: Lebesgue integral.
The key idea, is that we can't define a measure for the power set of R. Rather, we must select a large measurable subset, and the Borel sigma algebra is a good choice that matches intuitions.