Another supremum and infimum problem

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In summary: This conversation is discussing the concept of supremum and infimum for two non-empty subsets $S$ and $T$ of real numbers. If for every element $s$ in $S$, it is less than or equal to every element $t$ in $T$, then the supremum of $S$ must be less than or equal to the infimum of $T$. This is because if the supremum of $S$ is greater than the infimum of $T$, then there must be an element in $S$ that is greater than the infimum of $T$, which contradicts the fact that the infimum is the greatest lower bound of $T$. So, in summary, for non-empty subsets $S$ and
  • #1
alexmahone
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Let $S$ and $T$ be non-empty subsets of $\mathbb{R}$, and suppose that for all $s\in S$ and $t\in T$, we have $s\le t$. Prove that $\sup S\le\inf T$.
 
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  • #2
Alexmahone said:
Let $S$ and $T$ be non-empty subsets of $\mathbb{R}$, and suppose that for all $s\in S$ and $t\in T$, we have $s\le t$. Prove that $\sup S\le\inf T$.
Clearly $ \inf(T)$ & $\sup(S) $ exist. WHY?

$\forall s\in S$ we know $s\le\inf(T)~.$ WHY?$
 
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  • #3
Plato said:
Clearly $ \inf(T)$ & $\sup(S) $ exist. WHY?

Because $S$ and $T$ are non-empty subsets of $\mathbb{R}$.

$\forall s\in S$ we know $s\le\inf(T)~.$ WHY?

I don't know. Why?
 
  • #4
Alexmahone said:
I don't know. Why?
Well every $s\in S$ is a lower bound for $T$.
Therefore $s\le\inf(T)$.
 
  • #5
Plato said:
Well every $s\in S$ is a lower bound for $T$.
Therefore $s\le\inf(T)$.

So if $\sup S>\inf T$, there must be an $s\in S$ such that $s>\inf T$. (Otherwise, $\inf T$ is a smaller upper bound for $S$ than $\sup S$.) So we get a contradiction. (Is that correct?)
 
  • #6
Alexmahone said:
So if $\sup S>\inf T$, there must be an $s\in S$ such that $s>\inf T$. (Otherwise, $\inf T$ is a smaller upper bound for $S$ than $\sup S$.) So we get a contradiction. (Is that correct?)
Yes. It is correct.
 

FAQ: Another supremum and infimum problem

What is the definition of supremum and infimum?

The supremum of a set is the smallest upper bound of the set, while the infimum is the largest lower bound of the set.

How are supremum and infimum used in mathematical analysis?

Supremum and infimum are used to determine the limits of a set or sequence. They are also important concepts in the field of calculus, where they are used to find maximum and minimum values of functions.

What is meant by the phrase "another supremum and infimum problem"?

This phrase refers to a specific problem in which one is asked to find the supremum and infimum of a given set or sequence. These types of problems are common in mathematical analysis and can involve a variety of techniques and methods.

How do you solve an another supremum and infimum problem?

To solve an another supremum and infimum problem, you first need to understand the definition of supremum and infimum and how they are used in mathematical analysis. Then, you can apply different techniques such as using the definitions, properties, and theorems of supremum and infimum, as well as using calculus methods and mathematical reasoning to find the solutions.

Can you give an example of an another supremum and infimum problem?

Sure. For example, you may be asked to find the supremum and infimum of the set {1/n | n ∈ N}. In this case, the supremum is 1 and the infimum is 0, as 1 is the smallest upper bound and 0 is the largest lower bound of the given set.

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