Can $B \subseteq A$ Be Proven with Elements Defined as $2b-2$ and $2a$?

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In summary, the sets $A$ and $B$ are defined as $A = \{2a \mid a\in \Bbb{Z}\}$ and $B = \{2b - 2 \mid b\in \Bbb{Z}\}$. The proof shows that $B \subseteq A$ by letting $a=b-1$ and showing that $n=2a$ for some integer $a$. This is a sufficient proof.
  • #1
tmt1
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let $A = \left\{ m \in \Bbb{Z} | m = 2a \right\}$ and let $B = \left\{ n \in \Bbb{Z} | n = 2b - 2 \right\}$

Prove that$ B \subseteq A$

My proof is:
let $x = 2b - 2$ for some int $b$ I need to show that $x = 2a$ for some int $a$.

let $a = b - 1$, $b$ is some integer therefore $a$ in this case is some integer. And $2a = 2b - 2$. since $x = 2b - 2$ then , then $x = 2a$ which is what was to be shown.Is this sufficient proof?
 
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  • #2
Hi tmt,

The proof is correct, but I think there's a more straightforward way of presenting the same proof.

Given $n = 2b - 2 $, then $n=2(b-1)$. Let $a=b-1$, then $n=2a$. Hence, $B \subseteq A$.
 
  • #3
tmt said:
let $A = \left\{ m \in \Bbb{Z} | m = 2a \right\}$ and let $B = \left\{ n \in \Bbb{Z} | n = 2b - 2 \right\}$
It is also better to define the sets $A$ and $B$ as follows.
\[
A = \{2a \mid a\in \Bbb{Z} \},\quad B = \{ 2b - 2 \mid b \in \Bbb{Z} \}
\]
In the original definition it is not clear what $a$ and $b$ are. In particular, it is not clear whether $m=2a$ for all $a$ (well, this is clearly not the case), $m=2a$ for some $a$ or whether $a$ comes from the surrounding context. Also, it is not clear what set $a$ and $b$ range over. If they range over reals, for example, then $1\in A$ since $1=2\cdot(1/2)$ and $1\in\Bbb Z$.

And finally, the vertical bar in the set-builder notation is best typeset with [m]\mid[/m]: it creates correct spaced on both sides.
 

FAQ: Can $B \subseteq A$ Be Proven with Elements Defined as $2b-2$ and $2a$?

What is the purpose of proving B is a subset of A?

The purpose of proving B is a subset of A is to demonstrate that every element in set B is also included in set A. This helps to establish the relationship between the two sets and can be useful in various mathematical and scientific applications.

What are the steps involved in proving B is a subset of A?

The steps involved in proving B is a subset of A are as follows:

  1. Start by assuming that x is an arbitrary element in set B.
  2. Show that x is also an element of set A.
  3. Since x was arbitrary, this shows that all elements in set B are also in set A, thus proving B is a subset of A.

What is the difference between proving B is a subset of A and proving A equals B?

Proving B is a subset of A only requires showing that every element in set B is also in set A. On the other hand, proving A equals B requires showing that all elements in set A are also in set B, and vice versa. Essentially, proving A equals B is a stronger statement than proving B is a subset of A.

Are there any special cases where B is not a subset of A?

Yes, there are special cases where B is not a subset of A. One example is when set B is the empty set, in which case it is a subset of any set (including set A). Another example is when set B contains elements that are not included in set A, in which case B is not a subset of A.

Can proving B is a subset of A be used to prove other mathematical statements?

Yes, proving B is a subset of A can be used to prove other mathematical statements. For example, if set B is a subset of set A, and set A is a subset of set C, then it can be concluded that set B is also a subset of set C. This concept of transitivity is commonly used in mathematical proofs.

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